Global and Gender Equity in Oligodendroglioma Research: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis Following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACT

Oligodendrogliomas are rare brain tumors arising from oligodendrocytes; there is a limited understanding of their pathogenesis, which leads to challenges in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the oligodendroglioma literature to assess the current state of research, identify research trends, and elucidate implications for future research. The Lens® database was used to retrieve journal articles related to "oligodendroglioma" without geographic or temporal restrictions. Year-on-year trends in publication and funding were analyzed. Global and gender equity were assessed using the Namsor® Application programming interface. Collaboration patterns were explored using network visualizations. Keyword analysis revealed the most prominent themes in oligodendroglioma research. Out of 9701 articles initially retrieved, 8381 scholarly journal articles were included in the final analysis. Publication trends showed a consistent increase until 2020, followed by a sharp decline likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Global representation revealed researchers from 86 countries, with limited participation from low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Gender inequity was evident, with 78.7% of researchers being male. Collaboration analysis revealed a highly interconnected research community. Prognosis, genetic aberrations (particularly "IDH" mutations), and therapeutic options (including chemotherapy and radiotherapy) emerged as dominant research themes. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted oligodendroglioma research funding and publication trends, highlighting the importance of robust funding mechanisms. Global and gender inequities in research participation underscore the need for fostering inclusive collaboration, especially in LMICs. The interconnected research community presents opportunities for knowledge exchange and innovation. Keyword analysis highlights current research trends and a shift to genetic and molecular understanding.