Objective To analyze the literatures about artificial intelligence in cancer research in Web of Science (WOS) core collection database in 2010-2019 and summarize research hot spots and development trends. Methods Through bibliometrics methods and CiteSpace information visualization software, we applied the visual analysis of relevant literature on artificial intelligence in the field of cancer research retrieved from the Web of Science core collection database from 2010 to 2019. Results The number of published articles about artificial intelligence in the field of cancer research had been increasing year by year. The United States ranked first in the number of published articles in this field, the number of citations and cooperation capabilities. Although the number of published articles in China ranked the second, the number of citations was low. The hot spots of artificial intelligence in cancer research were mainly breast cancer and lung cancer. Machine learning, neural network and other methods were used to build models, which were used in basic cancer research, clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis prediction. The research frontiers were the methodological research of artificial intelligence, the research on the occurrence and classification of cancer and the research of protein in this field. Conclusion It will effectively promote the development of artificial intelligence in cancer research in China by learning the hot spots and cutting-edge technologies of international research, focusing on international cooperation and cooperation among national institutions and strengthening cross-disciplinary research.