Pancreatic cancer in the MENA region, a bibliometric review

Abstract

Background Most Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries record pancreatic cancer incidence rates that are above the world’s average. Reducing this burden requires evidence-based policies. This bibliometric review aims to examine the status of pancreatic cancer research in the MENA world, while systematically categorising publications across cancer care pathways. Methods We searched Scopus, Medline and PubMed for peer-reviewed publications related to both pancreatic cancer and MENA countries by using controlled vocabulary and keywords. The results were screened for duplicates and later included in the analysis based on preset eligibility criteria. A structured data extraction form was used to collect data related to each article, its methodology, its cancer care pathway, funding status and authorship. Results A total of 5,848 publications resulted from our search, from which 1,098 articles remained after applying the eligibility criteria. Trends show a steady increase in pancreatic cancer research by MENA. Case reports are the most common, whereas a lack in high-evidence clinical studies as well as public health and epidemiological research was evident. Most studies were not funded and had no female contributions. Funding, if present, came mostly from foreign states. There exists a much greater focus in research on diagnosis and treatment among other cancer care pathways. Most MENA-based studies did not involve collaborations with other countries. Country gross domestic product and population are both correlated to the research output. Conclusion This bibliometric analysis identified significant gaps and limitations in pancreatic cancer research in MENA countries. Vital domains requiring research investment have also been highlighted as a first step towards evidence-based health policies.

The state of cancer research in fragile and conflict-affected settings in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A bibliometric analysis

“…Armed conflicts and insurgencies have severely undermined the research capabilities of several MENA countries. Ranging from chronic underfinancing and poor infrastructure to deficient research culture ( 15 , 18 , 27 ), the challenges health researchers face in fragile and conflict-affected settings are numerous ( 11 , 28 ). Aiming to identify opportunities for improvement, our study aimed to map out published cancer research and highlight the characteristics of published research across 6 countries affected by conflict in the MENA region.…”

“…Despite the challenges mentioned above, the MENA region has been actively contributing to cancer research over the past two decades ( 15 – 18 ). However, and to the best of our knowledge, studies using bibliometric methods to analyze the knowledge output and trends of research on cancer in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings (FCS) in the MENA region are limited.…”

The burden of pancreatic cancer and its attributable risk factors in the Middle East and North Africa region, 1990–2019

“…Most of the research in this region has focused on the diagnosis and treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer, whereas there is a lack of high-quality public health and epidemiological research. 18 Therefore, future studies are needed to evaluate the epidemiology and risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer in MENA. 18 The present study also found that Saudi Arabia had the largest increase in the age-standardized incidence rate of pancreatic cancer in MENA.…”

“…18 Therefore, future studies are needed to evaluate the epidemiology and risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer in MENA. 18 The present study also found that Saudi Arabia had the largest increase in the age-standardized incidence rate of pancreatic cancer in MENA. In line with our findings, a previous study also found that the age-standardized incidence rate of pancreatic cancer increased from 1.7 to 2.2 and from 0.7 to 1.4 in Saudi male and female, respectively, between 2004 and 2015.…”

“…However, there is a gap in the research on pancreatic cancer in the MENA region. Most of the research in this region has focused on the diagnosis and treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer, whereas there is a lack of high‐quality public health and epidemiological research 18 . Therefore, future studies are needed to evaluate the epidemiology and risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer in MENA 18 …”