Bibliometric analysis of magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion in prostate biopsy: trends and collaborations (2000–2024)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Transrectal Ultrasound (MR/TRUS) fusion technology has markedly enhanced the accuracy of prostate biopsies. However, uncertainty persists regarding the standardization and widespread clinical adoption of MR/TRUS. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of MR/TRUS prostate biopsy research from 2002 to 2024. A systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was conducted, focusing on English-language research articles published between 2002 and 2024. Bibliometric tools, including VOSviewer (version 1.6.20), CiteSpace (version 6.3.R1), and R 4.3.3, were used to visualize collaboration networks, identify research trends, and analyze keyword co-occurrence. A total of 151 articles from 26 countries, authored by 1,012 researchers and affiliated with 63 institutions, were included in the analysis. The United States led with the highest number of publications (TP = 309) and citations (TC = 3,634), followed by Germany and China. The most influential journals were European Urology, Journal of Urology, and BJU International. Keyword analysis revealed that “prostate cancer,” “targeted biopsy,” and “image-guided biopsy” were central research themes. Collaborative network analysis demonstrated robust international cooperation, with 17.88% of publications involving international co-authorship. The field of MR/TRUS-fusion-targeted prostate biopsy has exhibited consistent growth and increasing international collaboration, with a pronounced focus on improving diagnostic accuracy. According to recent literature, future research is expected to emphasize the integration of artificial intelligence for lesion detection and the use of genetic profiling to guide personalized prostate cancer management. These directions, discussed within the manuscript, may help address current challenges in standardization and expand access to advanced diagnostics, especially in resource-limited settings.