Ananya Sawarkar
Class of 2026Bangkok, n/a
About
Hello! My name is Ananya Sawarkar and my paper is on the intersection of immunology and global health, focusing on how immune related challenges are influenced by ethical, social and policy driven factors in a global context. I chose to do this for my paper as growing up in the height of COVID, I have seen how policies and geopolitical factors can impact who receives lifesaving treatment. After my project is complete, I would like to publish my paper.Projects
- "Modulators of Response: How Biological Sex and Obesity Influence Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy in NSCLC" with mentor Alexandra (Working project)
Project Portfolio
Modulators of Response: How Biological Sex and Obesity Influence Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy in NSCLC
Started July 1, 2025
Abstract or project description
Lung cancer remains a major global health challenge, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for approximately 85% of lung cancer cases, according to National Institutes of Health. Treatment outcomes for NSCLC vary not only due to tumor-specific characteristics but also due to patient-specific factors such as race and ethnicity, biological sex and chronic disease like obesity. These factors are crucial determinants of immunotherapy response and outcome This paper aims to explore how obesity and biological sex impact the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with NSCLC. I will conduct a systematic review of current literature to analyze and synthesize key findings regarding these two patient-specific variables and their interaction with immunotherapy outcomes. Ultimately, the goal of this work is to contribute to more equitable and personalized approaches to cancer treatment by highlighting the importance of patient characteristics in immunotherapy response, and to support future research into stratified treatment strategies