Christian Medical College - India
Professional Profiles
Early Academic Pursuits:
Dr. Esther Sathya Bama Benjamin's academic journey is marked by excellence and a dedication to advancing medical science. She holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Haematology, earned through a Joint Ph.D. Programme between Christian Medical College and Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology. Under the mentorship of Prof. Poonkuzhali Balasubramanian, her research focused on targeting the bone marrow microenvironment to eradicate therapy-resistant stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Professional Endeavors:
As a DST-INSPIRE Fellow at the Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College and Hospital in Vellore, India, Dr. Esther Sathya Bama Benjamin has been at the forefront of innovative research. Her work reflects a comprehensive understanding of hematological disorders, particularly chronic myeloid leukemia, and she has actively contributed to the field through her research endeavors.
Contributions and Research Focus On Leukemia :
Dr. Esther's research is centered on unraveling the survival mechanisms of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). Her dissertation explored transcriptomic profiling of CML LSCs compared with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and screened FDA-approved drugs to eliminate LSCs while sparing HSCs. Notably, she developed a CML patient-derived immortalized MSC line to study BMM interactions and drug resistance. Her work also involved generating CML LSC-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, revealing insights into reprogramming hindrances and improvements.
In the initial phase of her work, Dr. Esther standardized the LC-MS method for determining Tyrosine kinase inhibitor levels in CML patient plasma, correlating drug concentrations with treatment outcomes. Her focus on personalized treatment upfront based on plasma trough levels showcased her commitment to improving therapeutic outcomes for CML patients.
Accolades and Recognition:
As a DST-INSPIRE Fellow, Dr. Esther Sathya Bama Benjamin has received recognition for her outstanding contributions to hematology research . Her work on unraveling the complexities of CML and developing innovative methodologies for drug screening and personalized treatment has earned her accolades in the scientific community.
Impact and Influence:
Dr. Esther's research has made a significant impact on understanding and addressing the challenges posed by LSCs in chronic myeloid leukemia. Her innovative approaches, such as developing patient-derived cell lines and utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells and have expanded the possibilities for targeted therapies. The correlation between drug concentrations and treatment outcomes demonstrates her practical contributions to improving clinical approaches.
Legacy and Future Contributions:
Dr. Esther Sathya Bama Benjamin's legacy lies in her pioneering work in hematological research, specifically in chronic myeloid leukemia. Her focus on unraveling the intricacies of the bone marrow microenvironment and personalized treatment approaches has set a precedent for future research in the field. As she continues her journey, her expertise in cellular reprogramming, advanced laboratory techniques, and commitment to clinical relevance positions her as a leader in shaping the future of hematology research.
Dr. Esther's dedication to advancing knowledge in hematological disorders is expected to drive further breakthroughs. Her multidimensional approach, integrating laboratory techniques with clinical relevance, ensures a lasting impact on the understanding and treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and other hematological conditions. Dr. Esther Sathya Bama Benjamin's legacy will resonate in the scientific community, inspiring future researchers to push the boundaries of medical science.
Notable Publications:
Plasma imatinib levels and ABCB1 polymorphism influences early molecular response and failure-free survival in newly diagnosed chronic phase CML patients 2020
BCR-ABL1 kinase domain mutation analysis by next generation sequencing detected additional mutations in chronic myeloid leukemia patients with suboptimal response to imatinib 2021
Nudt15 c.415c>t polymorphism predicts 6-mp induced early myelotoxicity in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing maintenance therapy 2021