Mapping the Intersection of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ultrasound Therapies in Tumor Microenvironment Research (2014–2024): A Knowledge Atlas Study

Abstract

Background:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and ultrasound-based therapy techniques have emerged as viable complementary approaches to cancer treatment, since both have modulatory effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME). TCM is distinguished by its multicomponent and multitarget processes, whereas ultrasonic treatments provide noninvasive biophysical modification to improve medication transport, immunological activation, and vascular permeability. Despite growing recognition of the synergistic potential of these modalities, no comprehensive bibliometric examination of their confluence in TME research has yet been done.

Methods:

CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to evaluate publications from the Web of Science Core Collection spanning from 2014 to 2024. A total of 771 relevant publications were used to create visual knowledge maps, highlight research hotspots, collaborative networks, and emerging trends, with a particular emphasis on studies that combined TCM and ultrasonography in cancer-related TME regulation.

Results:

Over the last decade, research at the interface of TCM and ultrasonic therapy has expanded rapidly. China has dominated this sector in terms of publication volume and worldwide influence, with strong partnerships with the United States and the United Kingdom. The core institutions include the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The research field has shifted from basic studies on “cell proliferation” and “apoptosis” to more sophisticated inquiries into “immune microenvironment regulation,” “ultrasound-assisted drug delivery,” “nanomedicine,” and “synergistic therapy.”

Conclusions:

The combination of TCM and ultrasonic therapy in TME research represents a new multidisciplinary frontier that combines molecular biology, materials science, and clinical oncology. This bibliometric and knowledge atlas study emphasizes the expanding body of data supporting ultrasound-enhanced TCM therapies as a promising paradigm in cancer therapy. To fully realize their combined promise in precision oncology, future initiatives should focus on mechanistic validation, standardized clinical evaluation, and worldwide collaboration.