Scientometric Mapping of Indian Scientific Research Footprint on Artificial Intelligence Application in Cancer

Abstract

Cancer remains a major global and public health challenge, with rapidly increasing incidence in countries like India, creating an urgent need for improved early detection and treatment strategies. Artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, has emerged as a powerful tool in oncology by enhancing cancer diagnosis, imaging analysis, and clinical decision-making. This study maps the Indian research landscape of AI in cancer through a scientometric analysis of publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2021 to 2025. Over a total of 1424 records (articles, review papers, conference proceedings) were analyzed by the use of the tools: Biblioshiny, VOSviewer and SciMAT. The analysis shows an annual growth rate of 73.73% and explains 97.64% of the variability in the number of publications based on the year of publication. Laba Suca, Vellore Institute of Technology and Scientific Reports as the most productive authors, institutions, and journals, respectively, in the Indian AI cancer research landscape. The Collaboration analysis shows that there are many strong international collaboration projects, including with the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and China. Institutions like Vellore Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education and the IIT family made significant contributions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) Assisted Biomedical Systems for Intelligent Healthcare by Pandiaraj Manickam et al. is the most highly cited document. Deep learning, explainable AI, medical imaging, precision medicine, biomarkers and tumor detection were dominant research areas identified by the thematic and conceptual mapping. In conclusion, this study highlights Indian AI-cancer research's trajectory toward global scientific recognition, clinically aligned innovation, and collaborative efforts.