Abstract
BACKGROUND: Graphene-based nanomaterials are increasingly explored for cancer diagnosis and therapy, yet a comprehensive mapping of their scholarly landscape is lacking. METHODS: On 13 March 2025, a total of 4917 records (2016-2025) were retrieved from the Scopus database using a multistep search strategy. Bibliometric indicators were analyzed with Bibliometrix (R-package), VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to evaluate research growth, collaboration, intellectual structures, and thematic evolution. RESULTS: Publications grew at an annual rate of 2.97%, with China leading in both productivity and citations. Bradford's Law identified 21 core journals, and leading contributors included LI Y and ZHANG Y. Collaboration networks showed dense interinstitutional and international links, particularly across Asia. Keyword and thematic analyses highlighted enduring focuses such as "graphene oxide," "drug delivery," and "biosensors," while emerging trends included "plasmon resonance biosensor," "brain tumor detection," and advanced therapeutic applications. Co-citation and overlay mapping revealed conceptual shifts toward precision diagnostics and targeted therapies. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first integrated bibliometric roadmap of graphene-based cancer research (2016-2025), outlining its growth trajectory, knowledge structures, and evolving themes. Findings inform researchers, funding agencies, and policymakers on current strengths, translational challenges, and priority directions for advancing graphene-based innovations in oncology.