The global state of GLIM criteria in oncology: a bibliometric analysis of research trends (2019–2025)

ObjectivesThis study aims to delineate the research landscape and evolutionary trajectory of the GLIM criteria in oncology. By mapping development from initial diagnosis to emerging frontiers, it identifies research hotspots, collaborative patterns, and paradigm shifts to provide a strategic reference for optimizing nutrition management and future oncological inquiries.MethodsA systematic search was performed in the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases (2019–2025), followed by comprehensive bibliometric analyses and network visualizations using CiteSpace and VOSviewer.ResultsA total of 342 publications were identified, showing a sharp linear increase from 2019 to 94 papers in 2025. China, Spain, Japan, Brazil and Italy led global productivity, with Shi Hanping as the most prolific author, while several European nations achieved higher citation impact. Capital Medical University emerged as the leading institution. The most productive were Nutrients, Clinical Nutrition, and Frontiers in Nutrition. Keyword analysis identified “GLIM criteria” as the central theme, with “overall survival” exhibiting the strongest citation burst. The field has evolved from initial tool validation and body composition analysis toward the increasing application of machine learning-based approaches in prognostic modeling. Current research frontiers emphasize “nutritional therapy” and “precision intervention,” with clinical applications expanding from common gastrointestinal and lung cancers to a broader spectrum of malignancies. This trajectory indicates a maturing research paradigm shifting from basic malnutrition diagnosis toward data-driven, precision clinical intervention.ConclusionThe GLIM criteria have evolved from a simple diagnostic validation framework toward an emergent role in precision oncology.