Analysis of research hotspots on the detection of vascular endothelial growth factor C and its receptor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) remains a prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, with lymphatic metastasis critically influencing prognosis. The vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) axis plays a pivotal role in tumour lymphangiogenesis, facilitating lymph node invasion and metastasis. This bibliometric analysis, conducted using CiteSpace, systematically reviewed studies on VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 in CSCC between 2010 and 2025, focusing on publication trends, collaboration networks, co-citation patterns and keyword clustering. Publication activity peaked between 2010 and 2014, declined around 2016 and then moderately rebounded after 2020. China and the USA emerged as leading contributors. Influential studies clarified VEGF-C-mediated signalling (e.g. PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways), marking a shift in research from basic mechanisms toward translational strategies, such as molecular imaging, targeted therapy and immunomodulation. These findings highlight the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis as clinically substantial and provide direction for future research into the prediction and treatment of lymphatic metastasis in CSCC.