A bibliometric analysis of advances in N6‑methyladenosine research in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Epigenetic regulation, especially N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification, plays a critical role in CRC development. Although molecular studies have linked m6A to CRC progression, comprehensive bibliometric assessments are scarce. We analyzed 230 publications from the Web of Science (2014–2024) using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Highly cited studies emphasize regulators such as METTL3 and IGF2BP2 in stemness and metabolic reprogramming. A emerging trend is the integration of m6A with tumor immunotherapy, indicating a shift from basic research toward clinical translation. This evolution highlights new therapeutic opportunities in CRC.