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Sabal is a master's student focuses on understanding therapy-induced senescence (TIS) and its role in cancer treatment resistance. A major challenge in cancer therapy is the resistance that develops after an initial response to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which is facilitated by TIS. Senescent cancer cells are believed to contribute to this resistance and evade immune surveillance.

Sabal's research investigates the interaction between senescent cancer cells and the immune system, with a specific focus on complement activation as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Previous studies have demonstrated that post-chemotherapy senescent cells activate the complement system and express complement component C3. Sabal aims to compare complement expression and activation in radiation-induced versus chemotherapy-induced senescence across various cancer cell lines.

This research has important implications for senotherapy, the targeted treatment of senescent cells in cancer, which is emerging as a potential adjuvant therapy. Additionally, complement inhibitors have been shown to improve responses to conventional cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation. By elucidating the exact mechanisms by which these therapies enhance cancer treatment, Sabal aims to contribute to the development of novel, effective adjuvant cancer therapies.​