The 100 most cited manuscripts in head and neck cancer: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to highlight the key studies that have led to the current understanding and treatment of head and neck cancer.MethodThe Thomson Reuters Web of Science database was used to identify relevant manuscripts. The results were ranked according to the number of citations. The 100 most cited papers were analysed.ResultsA total of 63 538 eligible papers were returned. The median number of citations was 626. The most cited paper compared radiotherapy with and without cetuximab (3205 citations). The New England Journal of Medicine had the most citations (23 514), and the USA had the greatest number of publications (n = 66). The most common topics of publication were the treatment (n = 45) and basic science (n = 19) of head and neck cancer, followed by the role of human papillomavirus (n = 16).ConclusionThis analysis highlighted key articles that influenced head and neck cancer research and treatment. It serves as a guide as to what makes a ‘citable’ paper in this field.