Dr. Dikshat Gopal Gupta has been awarded the prestigious title of ICRE 2024’s “Asia’s Best Researcher of the Year” in “Hematology/Genetic Subtypes of Leukemia/PROTACS for the Treatment of MLL-Rearranged Leukemia.” Currently serving as a highly accomplished Postdoctoral Associate at Northwestern University’s Department of Urology in Chicago, Dr. Gupta’s career is distinguished by his innovative contributions to the field of Hematology & Oncology. He is driven by a profound commitment to translational cancer research, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and their application in clinical settings.
Dr. Gupta’s academic journey commenced with a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, followed by a Master’s in Human Genomics from Panjab University, Chandigarh. His master’s research focused on the pathophysiology of blood cancers, laying a robust foundation for his subsequent doctoral studies. Dr. Gupta earned his Ph.D. in Hematology from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), India, where his research centered on Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-like ALL). His groundbreaking work identified and characterized Ph-like ALL cases in developing countries for the first time, leading to the creation of the ‘PHi-RACE’ classifier: A rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tool for Ph-like ALL detection for the first time in developing nations.
Dr. Gupta’s research has had a significant impact, resulting in numerous publications in high-impact journals such as Cancer, Cell Chemical Biology, British Journal of Cancer, and Clinical Experimental Medicine. His studies have elucidated the genomic and proteomic heterogeneity of Ph-like ALL, providing valuable insights into the disease’s prognosis and treatment outcomes. Notably, his research on the genomic landscape of Ph-like ALL has been instrumental in advancing personalized medicine approaches for leukemia patients in resource-constrained settings.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gupta has received several prestigious awards and honors, including the Young Investigator Awards by the Society of Hematologic Oncology (SOHO) in 2021, 2022, and 2023, the Best Researcher Award in 2023, and the Dr. J.C. Patel Best Paper Award in 2021 and 2022, Young Researcher Award in 2021. His groundbreaking research work has been recognized at various international conferences, including the American Society of Hematology (ASH), European Hematology Association (EHA), and International Society for Laboratory Hematology (ISLH).
Dr. Gupta has held multiple scientific appointments, serving as a reviewer for renowned journals such as Cancer, Blood Advances, Leukemia & Lymphoma, and Hematological Oncology. He reviewed numerous research articles, and his membership in professional organizations like SOHO, EHA, and ASH reflects his active engagement with the global scientific community.
In addition to his research, Dr. Gupta is passionate about mentoring and educating the next generation of scientists. He has presented his work at numerous conferences, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration. His presentations have covered a range of topics, from the genomic characterization of leukemia subtypes to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Currently, as a Postdoctoral Associate at Northwestern University, Dr. Gupta is investigating the therapeutic role of DOT1L in MLL-rearranged leukemia. His work focuses on targeting epigenetic modifications to develop new treatments for leukemia patients, aligning with his long-term goal of advancing cancer therapies through innovative and translational research.
Dr. Gupta’s career is a testament to his dedication to improving cancer diagnosis and treatment. His contributions to the field of Hematology and Oncology continue to drive forward the understanding of complex cancers, offering hope for better patient outcomes. His journey from a student of microbiology to a leading cancer researcher highlights his commitment to scientific excellence and his passion for making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.