Evaluating the Association Among Changes in Gut Microbiome, Fatigue, and Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea in Early Stage Breast Cancer

This pilot study seeks to understand how changes in the bacteria composition (microbiome) of the gut may be associated with the occurrence of fatigue and chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN) in women undergoing chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer. Patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience fatigue or nausea as a result of their treatment. Known risk factors for fatigue and CIN do not explain the differences in fatigue and CIN occurrence between patients, but changes in the functions of the gut microbiome may be related to the occurrence of fatigue and CIN. This study collects stool samples from breast cancer patients before and after chemotherapy to evaluate how changes in the microbiome may be associated with fatigue and CIN.