Abstract
BACKGROUND: The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies has led to their increasing application in the medical field, particularly in renal cancer(RC) research. These technologies have shown great potential in areas such as diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. AI and ML can help in the analysis of complex data, leading to new approaches in understanding RC. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted by the Web of Science. Core Collection, encompassing studies published from 2012 to 2025. Bibliometric analysis was performed utilizing VOSviewer (1.6.20), CiteSpace (6.3.1), and the R package bibliometrix(version 4.3.0). These tools were used to visualize patterns in co-authorship, institutional collaborations, citations, keyword co-occurrences, and emerging research trends. RESULTS: A total of 1,055 articles related AI and ML in RC were identified, showing a consistent annual growth of 48.45%. China contributed 36.6% of these publications, while the University of Texas System emerged as the most prolific institution. Collaboration networks reveal limited international engagement, with research efforts remaining largely regional. Checcucci, E. and Wang, X. rank as the most productive and influential authors, and journals such as Scientific Reports and Frontiers in Oncology serve as the principal publication venues. Emerging research hotspots include nivolumab, immune-checkpoint inhibitors, the tumor microenvironment, and therapy resistance. CONCLUSION: AI and ML are expected to play an increasingly important in RC research as technological advancements and in-depth studies continue. Addressing the challenges and limitations related to these technologies is crucial for their successful and ethical integration into clinical practice. Ongoing research, collaboration, and innovation are essential to overcome these hurdles and fully leverage the benefits of AI and ML in oncology.