Emerging trends and hot topics in the application of multi-omics in drug discovery: A bibliometric and visualized study

Abstract

Background The application of multi-omics in drug discovery is rapidly advancing, but its trends and hotspots have not been fully analyzed. By reviewing key achievements and research hotspots in this field, the aim is to provide new insights for scholars. Methods Relevant literature on the application of multi-omics in cancer research was obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection, covering the period from 2007 to October 31, 2024. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R software to evaluate the productivity and details of global research. The analysis included countries, institutions, authors, journals, citations, and keywords to explore future trends and hotspots. Results The analysis included 1131 publications, showing an upward trend over the past 18 years. China and the United States were the main contributors. The study involved 523 publication sources, with the most publications appearing in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences , Scientific Reports , and Briefings in Bioinformatics . The research showed significant regional differences and limited global cooperation. Hotspots included "personalized medicine," "gut microbiota," "artificial intelligence," and "resistance," making cancer drug discovery a key area for multi-omics. Conclusions Multi-omics offers significant potential in drug discovery, notably in predicting drug sensitivity. With technological advancements, the potential of multi-omics to transform disease treatment and improve patient survival continues to grow, making it a key target in the ongoing fight against diseases. China's contributions are substantial, but breakthroughs need global collaboration. Integrating artificial intelligence is an emerging trend, and technological advancements will enhance multi-omics applications, necessitating international cooperation.