Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare neoplasm of the lymphatic system, representing one of the most common cancers in young adults. It is characterised by a low number of malignant cells derived from B-lymphocytes and an extensive microenvironment. METHOD: We used Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed databases with search descriptors; “Hodgkin* lymphoma“ and “Hodgkin* disease”. The common bibliometric indicators were applied. RESULTS: We retrieved a total of 18,304 articles within 2002 and 2022. The growth pattern showed a saturated pattern, with the linear and exponential plots coinciding. A small number of authors were responsible for the majority of the publications, with a transience index of 71.84%. The Bradford core consisted of 32 journals, with Leukemia and Lymphoma being at the top. The most productive institutions were resident in United States with the University of Texas MD Anderson Center at the helm. The United States was found to be the most productive country. Engert A. was the most productive author. CONCLUSION: Scientific production in Hodgkin lymphoma was found to be saturated with a high transience index. This study provides a reference for oncologists, epidemiologists, funders, policy decision makers, academics, and Hodgkin lymphoma researchers. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12672-026-04560-w.