Badi RAWASHDEH, Haneen AL-ABDALLAT, Ayham ASASSFEH, Emily COOPER, Karim HALAZUN, Matthew COOPER
Experimental and Clinical Transplantation - 2026;24(2):101-110
Objectives: Randomized controlled trials are considered the fundamental basis of evidence-based medicine, especially in the field of organ transplantation. Given the increasing demand for organs and the distinct challenges associated with this topic, our aim was to systematically analyze and characterize the randomized controlled trial landscape in solid-organ transplantation and to identify dominant research trajectories and influential thematic areas. Materials and Methods: Using a bibliometric approach, we extracted randomized controlled trials specific to solid-organ transplantation from the Scopus database. After application of exclusionary criteria, 3581 randomized controlled trials were included in our analyses. Results: A significant emphasis on kidney transplantation was observed, with 48.6% of randomized controlled trials addressing kidney transplant. Immunosuppressive strategies, particularly those centered around agents such as tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and mycophenolic acid emerged as dominant research foci. Conclusions: Our results showed the continual growing significance of immunosuppression in the field of transplant research, indicating that immunosuppression will continue to be a central focus of study in the foreseeable future. Subsequent to reaching its peak in 2005, we noted a significant consistent yearly reduction in the quantity of randomized controlled trials; this trend necessitates further exploration and discussion, emphasizing the importance of continued rigorous research to drive future advancements in transplantation.
