Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study systematically analyzes the research landscape of lung cancer and pulmonary microbiota from 2015 to 2024 using bibliometric methods. METHODS: The Web of Science Core Collection provided data analyzed to uncover key contributors, pivotal research hotspots, and evolving trends. RESULTS: Results revealed a significant shift in focus from infections and inflammation to immunotherapy, microbial biomarkers, and immune response modulation, reflecting interplay between pulmonary microbiota and immune regulation in tumorigenesis. Major contributors, including China and the United States, along with leading journals, have driven progress in this interdisciplinary field, highlighting microbial imbalance's involvement in tumorigenesis and immune modulation. The findings underscore the potential of pulmonary microbiota as therapeutic targets and immune modulators, particularly for improving immunotherapy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the field, offering insights into its current status and future directions, and establishes a foundation for further exploration of personalized medicine and immune-centered therapies.