Dr. Diverio's research primarily revolves around leukemia, especially chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He investigates how different treatments, genetic markers, and patient characteristics affect survival rates and responses to therapy. For example, in chronic myeloid leukemia, he studies treatment-free remission, where patients can safely stop their medication without experiencing a relapse. In acute myeloid leukemia, he explores specific mutations, like FLT3 internal tandem duplications, which can influence diagnosis and treatment effectiveness. His goal is to enhance treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes through precise diagnostics and tailored therapeutic approaches.
Key findings
In a study on treatment-free remission in chronic phase CML, 29% of 118 patients relapsed after stopping treatment, but 80% were relapse-free after six months.
For acute promyelocytic leukemia, patients received various treatments leading to an 80.8% three-year survival rate and 100% survival in specific treatment groups within five years.
In a study examining FLT3-mutated AML patients, 64% achieved complete remission, with higher success rates (73%) in those with an NPM1 mutation.
Research showed that 75% of 117 patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation for favorable-risk AML survived, and 76% remained disease-free.
Long-term follow-up of patients treated with imatinib for CML revealed that 77.1% were still alive after ten years, demonstrating its effectiveness as a long-term therapy.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Diverio study chronic myeloid leukemia?
Yes, Dr. Diverio conducts extensive research on chronic myeloid leukemia, looking at treatment options and long-term outcomes.
What treatments has Dr. Diverio researched for acute myeloid leukemia?
He has studied various therapies, including the use of hypomethylating agents, stem cell transplants, and the effectiveness of targeted treatments based on genetic mutations.
Is Dr. Diverio's work relevant to patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia?
Yes, his research includes significant findings on treatment responses and survival rates for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, helping inform better treatment strategies.
What are the findings related to treatment-free remission?
His studies show that a significant number of patients with chronic phase CML can achieve treatment-free remission, highlighting the ability to safely stop medication under certain conditions.
How does Dr. Diverio's research affect elderly leukemia patients?
His research addresses treatment responses and complications, such as anemia, specifically in elderly patients, improving their care and treatment outcomes.
Publications in plain English
Early predictive factors of molecular relapse in chronic phase-chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) patients after tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) discontinuation.
2026
Leukemia & lymphoma
Laganà A, Scalzulli E, Carmosino I, Bisegna ML, Ielo C +3 more
CD99 expression in acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3 internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITD-AML): a flow-cytometric marker for an accurate diagnostic workup.
2025
Leukemia & lymphoma
Laganà A, Kasmi D, Diverio D, Bisegna ML, Carmosino I +7 more
Plain English This study looked at a specific type of leukemia called acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and focused on a genetic mutation known as FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD). Researchers found that the CD99 protein was present in 100% of patients with FLT3-ITD-AML, whereas it was found in only 48% of those without this mutation. This is important because detecting CD99 can help doctors accurately diagnose FLT3-ITD-AML, which is linked to worse outcomes, and its absence can almost confirm that the mutation is not present.
Who this helps: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia and their doctors.
Treatment Free Remission (TFR) in Chronic Phase-Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CP-CML): Analysis of Predictive Factors and Novel Baseline Scoring System to Predict Molecular Relapse.
2025
European journal of haematology
Laganà A, Scalzulli E, Carmosino I, Bisegna ML, Ielo C +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how well patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) can remain free of treatment after stopping their medication for at least three years. Out of 118 patients, about 29% experienced a relapse in their condition after stopping treatment, but 80% were relapse-free after six months. Factors like a high-risk score before treatment and the length of time in a stable response helped predict who was more likely to relapse.
Who this helps: This research helps doctors identify which CP-CML patients can safely stop taking medication.
Real-Life Management of FLT3-Mutated AML: Single-Centre Experience over 24 Years.
2024
Cancers
Capria S, Trisolini SM, Torrieri L, Amabile E, Marsili G +8 more
Plain English This study looked at how 140 patients with FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were treated over 24 years. It found that 64% of patients achieved complete remission, with higher success rates in those with an NPM1 mutation (73%). The research highlights that while stem cell transplants are important for treatment, especially allogeneic transplants, there is a need to better understand which patients will gain the most benefit from these procedures.
Who this helps: This helps patients with FLT3-mutated AML and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.
Different prognosis according to treatment in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia: How the outcome changed over time.
2024
Annals of hematology
Scalzulli E, Costa A, Carmosino I, Musiu P, Bisegna ML +8 more
Plain English This study looked at 220 patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) to see how different treatment methods affected their survival and recovery from the disease over time. It found that most patients responded well to treatment, with a 3-year survival rate of 80.8% and a 5-year survival rate of 79.1%. Specifically, patients who received certain comprehensive treatments had much higher survival rates, with some groups achieving up to 100% survival within five years. This research is important because it helps doctors better understand which treatments work best and highlights the need for continued research to improve patient outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and their doctors.
Myeloid Sarcoma: Diagnostic and Treatment Tools from a Monocentric Retrospective Experience.
2022
Acta haematologica
Bianchi S, Capria S, Trisolini SM, Crisanti E, De Propris MS +4 more
Plain English This study focused on myeloid sarcoma, a rare form of cancer affecting both adults and children, by examining 13 patients treated at a single medical center over 18 years. The researchers analyzed various treatment methods and found that the outcomes vary significantly, highlighting the need for tailored approaches. They emphasized that understanding the best treatments could improve patient care, especially since current methods are not clearly defined.
Who this helps: This helps patients with myeloid sarcoma and their doctors by providing insights into better treatment strategies.
Autologous stem cell transplantation in favorable-risk acute myeloid leukemia: single-center experience and current challenges.
2022
International journal of hematology
Capria S, Trisolini SM, Diverio D, Minotti C, Breccia M +6 more
Plain English This study looked at the effectiveness of a treatment called autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for patients with a type of leukemia called favorable-risk acute myeloid leukemia (FR-AML) who were in their first complete remission. Researchers followed 117 patients treated with ASCT over many years and found that 75% of them survived overall, and 76% stayed free of the disease. The study highlighted that certain genetic factors in leukemia affect survival rates and that ASCT is a safe and effective treatment, even for patients with detectable disease before the transplant.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with favorable-risk acute myeloid leukemia, as well as their doctors in deciding treatment options.
Digital droplet PCR as a predictive tool for successful discontinuation outcome in chronic myeloid leukemia: Is it time to introduce it in the clinical practice?
2021
Critical reviews in oncology/hematology
Colafigli G, Scalzulli E, Di Prima A, Pepe S, Loglisci MG +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how a new method called digital droplet PCR (dPCR) might help doctors determine if patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) can safely stop taking their medication. Researchers found that this method is more sensitive and precise than the traditional testing methods, allowing for better monitoring of remaining disease levels in patients who have stopped treatment. This is important because it could lead to more successful treatment-free periods for patients, allowing them to live healthier lives without continuous medication.
Who this helps: Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia seeking to discontinue their treatment safely.
Real-life comparison of nilotinib versus dasatinib as second-line therapy in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients.
2021
Annals of hematology
Scalzulli E, Caocci G, Efficace F, Rizzo L, Colafigli G +10 more
Plain English Researchers compared two medications, nilotinib and dasatinib, given to patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who did not respond to initial treatment. They studied 131 patients and found that after seven years, about 79% of all patients were still alive, with similar survival rates for both medications: 72% for dasatinib and 86% for nilotinib. Both drugs showed good effectiveness, with patients having substantial chances of significant molecular responses, but more severe side effects were reported with dasatinib.
Who this helps: This study benefits patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and their doctors by providing insights into treatment options after initial therapy fails.
Long-term follow-up of late chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib after interferon failure: a single center experience.
2021
Leukemia & lymphoma
Pepe S, Scalzulli E, Colafigli G, Di Prima A, Mancini M +5 more
Plain English This study looked at 139 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who were treated with the drug imatinib after their previous treatments had failed. Over an average follow-up period of about 16.6 years, about 65% of these patients were still alive, and around 64% did not see their disease worsen during that time. The findings highlight that patients with certain genetic markers had a poorer survival outlook, but many who stopped taking imatinib after showing a strong positive response managed to stay healthy without the treatment.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and their doctors by providing insights into effective treatment options.
Switch from branded to generic imatinib: impact on molecular responses and safety in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients.
2020
Annals of hematology
Scalzulli E, Colafigli G, Latagliata R, Pepe S, Diverio D +6 more
Plain English This study looked at 168 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in Italy who switched from a brand-name version of the cancer drug imatinib to a generic version. After one year, most patients (84%) maintained their best response to the drug, with only a small number experiencing changes in their condition. While 20% reported new or worsening side effects, most were able to continue with the generic medication without needing to return to the brand-name version.
Who this helps: This benefits CML patients who are seeking more affordable treatment options.
Predictive factors for response and survival in elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients treated with hypomethylating agents: a real-life experience.
2020
Annals of hematology
Pepe S, Scalzulli E, Colafigli G, Di Prima A, Diverio D +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) responded to two treatments called azacitidine (AZA) and decitabine (DEC). It found that the average survival for these patients was about 8 months, with AZA patients living an average of 8.8 months and DEC patients about 6.3 months. Key factors for better survival included being free from the need for blood transfusions during treatment, achieving a strong initial response to the drugs, and having higher baseline hemoglobin levels.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors treating elderly AML patients, as it provides important insights into factors affecting treatment success and survival.
NPM1 Mutated, BCR-ABL1 Positive Myeloid Neoplasms: Review of the Literature.
2020
Mediterranean journal of hematology and infectious diseases
Catalano G, Niscola P, Banella C, Diverio D, Trawinska MM +5 more
Plain English This research focused on a rare combination of two genetic mutations, BCR-ABL1 and NPM1, found in certain blood cancers, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The findings show that these mutations can affect how the disease develops and how it should be treated; for instance, BCR-ABL1 often requires a different treatment approach than NPM1 alone. Understanding these combinations helps doctors make better treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with blood cancers and their doctors in choosing effective treatments.
Ten-year outcome of chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib in real life.
2019
Annals of hematology
Molica M, Colafigli G, Scalzulli E, Alunni Fegatelli D, Chiatamone Ranieri S +6 more
Plain English This study followed 459 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who were treated with imatinib for an average of just over 10 years. The results showed that 77.1% of patients were still alive after ten years, with only 7.8% dying from CML and 16% dying from other causes. This matters because it demonstrates that imatinib is a long-lasting and effective treatment for CML without significant serious side effects.
Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and their doctors.
Digital droplet PCR at the time of TKI discontinuation in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients is predictive of treatment-free remission outcome.
2019
Hematological oncology
Colafigli G, Scalzulli E, Porrazzo M, Diverio D, Loglisci MG +4 more
Incidence of Clinically Significant (≤10 g/dL) Late Anemia in Elderly Patients with Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treated with Imatinib.
2019
Oncology research and treatment
Cesini L, Carmosino I, Breccia M, De Benedittis D, Mohamed S +15 more
Plain English This study focused on elderly patients over 60 years old who were newly diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and treated with a medication called imatinib for at least two years. The researchers found that 27.2% of these patients developed a serious type of late anemia, with 31.8% of these requiring blood transfusions. This matters because untreated late anemia was linked to worse survival outcomes for these patients, but treating it with a medication called EPO showed promising results in all treated cases.
Who this helps: This helps elderly patients with CML and their doctors by highlighting a common complication and potential treatment.
Body mass index does not impact on molecular response rate of chronic myeloid leukaemia patients treated frontline with second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
2018
British journal of haematology
Molica M, Canichella M, Colafigli G, Latagliata R, Diverio D +3 more
Prognostic factors associated with a stable MR4.5 achievement in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib.
2018
Oncotarget
Breccia M, Molica M, Colafigli G, Massaro F, Quattrocchi L +6 more
Plain English This study looked at factors that help chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients achieve a stable deep molecular response (known as MR4.5) while being treated with imatinib. Out of 208 patients followed over seven years, 34.6% reached this stable response, typically after 5.4 years of treatment. Key factors linked to achieving MR4.5 included being female, being younger (average age of 56.4 vs. 58.6), having a specific genetic type of the disease, and showing early signs of a good response to treatment.
Who this helps: Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
Risk-adapted treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia: results from the International Consortium for Childhood APL.
2018
Blood
Testi AM, Pession A, Diverio D, Grimwade D, Gibson B +13 more
Plain English This study explored how to treat children and teenagers with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) by using less of a harmful chemotherapy drug while still achieving good cure rates. Researchers treated 258 patients, and found that 97% reached remission, with a five-year survival rate of about 94.6%. This is significant because it shows that kids can be treated effectively without exposing them to high doses of toxic drugs.
Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with APL and their doctors.
Clinical results according to age in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia receiving imatinib frontline: The younger, the later, the worse?
2018
European journal of haematology
Latagliata R, Breccia M, Carmosino I, Cesini L, De Benedittis D +14 more
Plain English This study looked at how age affects the treatment outcomes of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who were given imatinib, a common medication. The researchers found that middle-aged adults (ages 45 to 65) had better responses to treatment, with 88.9% achieving a complete cytogenetic response compared to 65.6% in young adults (ages 20 to 45) and 62.2% in elderly patients (65 and older). Although elderly patients had more deaths (16.2% compared to 3.2% in young adults), most of these deaths were not caused by CML, highlighting that age at diagnosis can significantly impact treatment outcomes.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers in tailoring treatment plans and monitoring for CML patients based on their age.
Prolonged treatment with arsenic trioxide (ATO) and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) for relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia previously treated with ATRA and chemotherapy.
2018
Annals of hematology
Cicconi L, Breccia M, Franceschini L, Latagliata R, Molica M +9 more
Plain English This study looked at the effectiveness of prolonged treatment with arsenic trioxide (ATO) and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) who had previously relapsed after initial treatment. Out of 22 patients, 20 (90%) achieved a complete remission after two treatment cycles, and after a median follow-up of nearly 5 years, 85% were still alive, with 74% remaining free of disease. This research shows that extended ATRA-ATO therapy can significantly improve outcomes for relapsed APL patients, especially those who initially responded well to treatment.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Impact of exclusion criteria for the DASISION and ENESTnd trials in the front-line treatment of a 'real-life' patient population with chronic myeloid leukaemia.
2017
Hematological oncology
Latagliata R, Carmosino I, Vozella F, Volpicelli P, De Angelis F +11 more
Plain English This study looked at how many patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) would have been excluded from two major clinical trials, Dasision and ENESTnd, based on specific health criteria. Of 207 patients treated with Imatinib, 36 (17.4%) would have been excluded from the Dasision trial and 47 (22.7%) from the ENESTnd trial, mostly due to age and other health issues. This is important because it shows that trial results may not apply well to older patients or those with additional health problems, suggesting a need for more careful consideration when using trial findings in real-world treatment settings.
Who this helps: Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, especially older ones or those with other health conditions, benefit from this understanding.
Independent prognostic impact of CD15 on complete remission achievement in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
2017
Hematological oncology
Chisini M, Stefanizzi C, Ceglie T, Raponi S, Vozella F +15 more
Plain English This study looked at the significance of a protein called CD15 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its impact on achieving complete remission after treatment. Out of 460 patients studied, 42% tested positive for CD15, and overall, 72.6% achieved complete remission; however, 17.8% did not respond to treatment, and 9.6% died during the initial therapy phase. The findings suggest that knowing whether a patient is CD15 positive can help doctors better predict treatment outcomes, particularly in younger patients and those with specific genetic factors.
Who this helps: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia and their doctors.
Timing and deepness of response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors as a measure of potential treatment discontinuation in chronic myeloid leukemia patients managed in the real-life.
2017
American journal of hematology
Breccia M, Colafigli G, Molica M, Scalzulli E, Diverio D +3 more
Discontinuation of alpha-interferon treatment in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in long-lasting complete molecular response.
2016
Leukemia & lymphoma
Latagliata R, Romano A, Mancini M, Breccia M, Carmosino I +10 more
Plain English This study looked at 23 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who stopped taking alpha-interferon treatment after achieving stable complete molecular response for a long time. After about 12.5 months after stopping the treatment, one patient faced a serious complication, but most patients remained healthy without the treatment; 18 of them stayed off therapy for over 10 years, and some even showed little to no signs of the cancer returning. This matters because it suggests that some patients can safely discontinue interferon treatment without a high risk of the leukemia coming back.
Who this helps: This helps CML patients who may be considering stopping their interferon treatment.
Can chronic myeloid leukaemia in children and adolescents be successfully treated without haematopoietic stem cell transplant? A single centre experience.
2016
British journal of haematology
Giona F, Moleti ML, De Benedittis D, Santopietro M, Nanni M +9 more
Plain English This study examined the long-term success of treating 35 children and adolescents with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) without using stem cell transplants. The research found that after 10 years, about 73% of patients who received standard treatment (like interferon and tyrosine kinase inhibitors) survived, which was similar to the 72% survival rate for those who underwent stem cell transplants. It was also noted that those diagnosed after 1999 had a much higher survival rate of 100% due to improved treatments and monitoring.
Who this helps: This research benefits young patients with CML and their doctors by showing effective treatment options outside of stem cell transplants.
Long-term results of high-dose imatinib in children and adolescents with chronic myeloid leukaemia in chronic phase: the Italian experience.
2015
British journal of haematology
Giona F, Putti MC, Micalizzi C, Menna G, Moleti ML +17 more
Plain English This study looked at the long-term effects of a high dose of imatinib, a medication for chronic myeloid leukaemia, in children and teenagers under 18 years old. Researchers followed 47 patients, who had a median age of nearly 12 years, and found that 91.5% achieved a complete response to the treatment within six months. After an average of over four years, all patients were still alive, showing that high-dose imatinib is an effective long-term treatment for this type of leukaemia in young patients.
Who this helps: This benefits children and adolescents diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Introducing biological features at diagnosis improves the relapse risk stratification in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia treated with ATRA and chemotherapy.
2015
American journal of hematology
Breccia M, Stefania de Propris M, Molica M, Colafigli G, Minotti C +5 more
Negative prognostic value of CD34 antigen also if expressed on a small population of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells.
2014
Annals of hematology
Breccia M, De Propris MS, Stefanizzi C, Raponi S, Molica M +6 more
Plain English This study looked at how the presence of a protein called CD34 on certain leukemia cells affects the outcomes for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Researchers analyzed data from 114 APL patients and found that those with CD34 expression had worse prognoses: for example, 66% were at high risk of relapse compared to only 17% without CD34 expression, and overall survival dropped to 60% from 95% in those without the marker. These findings show that CD34 can help identify which APL patients might face more severe challenges, and further research could improve treatment options for these individuals.
Who this helps: This helps patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and their doctors by providing critical information for treatment planning.
Complete clearance of Ph+ metaphases after 3 months is a very early indicator of good response to imatinib as front-line treatment in chronic myelogenous leukemia.
2013
Acta haematologica
Latagliata R, Isidori A, Breccia M, Carmosino I, Vozella F +11 more
Plain English This study focused on patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) being treated with imatinib, looking at how quickly they could eliminate certain cancer markers in their blood. After three months of treatment, 76% of the 182 patients showed significant improvement, while 24% still had the cancer markers, which indicated a poorer response. Those who cleared the markers early had a much better outlook, with a 97% survival rate after five years compared to only 92% for those who did not clear them.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia by identifying those who are likely to respond well to treatment early on.
Delayed cytogenetic and major molecular responses associated to increased BMI at baseline in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib.
2013
Cancer letters
Breccia M, Loglisci G, Salaroli A, Serrao A, Mancini M +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how body weight, measured by body mass index (BMI), affects the treatment response in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who are given certain therapies. It found that heavier patients (BMI over 25) taking imatinib took longer to show a complete response to the treatment—6.8 months compared to 3.3 months for lighter patients—and had a lower success rate in achieving a major molecular response (58% versus 77%). This matters because understanding the impact of weight on treatment effectiveness can help doctors make better decisions for managing CML.
Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and their doctors.