Graduation Year
2025
Date of Submission
12-2024
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
W.M. Keck Science Department
Second Department
Biology
Reader 1
Jennifer Armstrong
Reader 2
Joel Mackey
Abstract
The gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in modulating the efficacy and toxicity of cancer therapies, yet its interactions with multi-drug cancer regimens remain inadequately explored. This research aims to investigate how the microbiome influences cancer treatment outcomes by identifying microbial strains and enzymes involved in drug metabolism. I propose constructing a metagenomic library from fecal samples of cancer patients undergoing multi-drug therapy to screen for microbial strains capable of metabolizing cancer drugs and modifying their effects. Additionally, I will develop synthetic microbial consortia and genetically engineered probiotics to target specific pathways in drug metabolism and immune response. This project aims to uncover microbiome-driven strategies that could be integrated into personalized cancer treatments to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. This research has the potential to provide new insights into the microbiome’s role in cancer therapy and to inform the development of novel, microbiome-targeted approaches to optimize treatment outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Abigail, "Identifying Personalized Gut Microbiota Modulation Strategies for Optimizing Cancer Treatment Outcomes" (2025). CMC Senior Theses. 3857.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3857
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
