Advances and Prospects of Carbon Nanotubes in Cancer Research: Drug Delivery, Therapeutics, and Diagnostics

Background: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have gained significant attention in cancer therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties, including a high surface area-to-volume ratio, mechanical strength, and nanoscale interactions with biological systems. Their versatility has advanced drug delivery, photothermal therapy, and targeted cancer treatments. This study employs bibliometric analysis to examine global research on CNT applications in oncology.Methods: A comprehensive Scopus search identified 1,221 English-language, peer-reviewed publications published between 2003 and 2024. Bibliometric indicators were analyzed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, generating visualization, thematic, and conceptual maps.Results: Findings show that Chinese researchers lead in publication output, while the United States has the greatest scientific impact. Keyword mapping identified key research areas and emerging trends, including CNT-based drug delivery, tumor-targeting strategies, photothermal and photodynamic therapies, and biosensing applications.Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research trends on CNT applications in oncology, highlighting key research areas, collaborations, and emerging directions.Keywords: Carbon Nanotubes, Cancer Therapy, Drug Delivery. Photothermal Therapy, Nanomedicine, Tumor Targeting, Bibliometric Study