Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
Dr. Valentina Giai is a distinguished hematologist and researcher with over two decades of experience in academic medicine and clinical hematology. She completed her MD and hematology training at the University of Torino, Italy, where she later earned her PhD in Experimental Medicine. Her postdoctoral work includes significant contributions at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, focusing on regenerative medicine and hematopoietic stem cells. Dr. Giai has held key clinical positions across major Italian hospitals, currently serving at Città della Salute e della Scienza in Torino. Her research spans chronic myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemia, contributing to pivotal clinical trials and real-world studies. A prolific author, she has co-authored numerous high-impact publications and participated in international collaborations. Her career reflects a seamless blend of patient care, clinical innovation, and research excellence, with a commitment to improving hematologic therapies and outcomes.
Professional Profile
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🎓 Education
Dr. Giai’s academic foundation began at the Liceo Scientifico Marie Curie in Pinerolo (1994–1999), followed by medical studies at the University of Torino, Italy, where she graduated with top honors (110/110) in 2005. She completed a residency in Hematology (2006–2010) and earned a license as a hematology specialist in 2010. Her academic pursuits continued with a PhD in Experimental Medicine and Therapy at the University of Torino (2011–2014), supported by a grant from the Fondazione Bossolasco. Parallelly, she expanded her research capabilities through a PhD program at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, in the Laboratory of Hematology and Regenerative Medicine. These academic experiences have equipped Dr. Giai with a robust understanding of both clinical and experimental hematology, allowing her to bridge the gap between basic science and patient-centered care. Her training reflects an international approach to hematologic research with strong foundations in molecular biology, clinical trials, and translational medicine.
💼 Professional Experience
Dr. Valentina Giai began her clinical journey with an internship in internal medicine and hematology at the University of Torino in 2005. From 2006 to 2010, she completed her residency and fellowship in hematology at the same institution, becoming a board-certified hematologist in 2010. Her international exposure includes guest research at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden (2010–2012), where she engaged in cutting-edge hematologic research. Between 2012 and 2015, she served at the Molinette Hospital in Torino. From 2015 to 2016, she worked as a hematology consultant in Asti, followed by a tenure as attending physician in Alessandria (2015–2019). Since 2019, she has been a leading hematologist at Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino. Across these roles, she has led clinical research, mentored junior clinicians, and collaborated on major clinical trials. Her trajectory reflects deep integration of clinical care, patient outcomes, and translational research.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Dr. Giai has been recognized for her academic and clinical excellence throughout her career. She was awarded a prestigious research grant by the Fondazione Bossolasco to pursue her PhD studies, affirming the scientific value and societal relevance of her research. Her collaborative role in the international hematology community, particularly through the Karolinska Institutet, underscores her global reputation. Many of the clinical trials she contributed to—such as QUAZAR AML-001 and studies on luspatercept and CC-486—are landmark publications in hematology and featured in journals like NEJM, JCO, and Blood. Her involvement in nationwide research networks like GIMEMA and FISiM showcases peer recognition and trust in her scientific judgment. Additionally, her contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic in the hematology context were instrumental in shaping clinical guidance in Italy. Dr. Giai’s achievements demonstrate her dedication to evidence-based medicine and advancing hematologic care.
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Giai’s research interests center on hematologic malignancies and disorders, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). She is deeply involved in evaluating new therapeutic strategies, including targeted agents like FLT3 inhibitors and hypomethylating agents. Her work also explores the molecular biology of hematopoiesis, leukemia stem cells, and drug resistance mechanisms. She has contributed to clinical trials assessing novel compounds such as crovalimab, luspatercept, CC-486, and gilteritinib, integrating clinical outcomes with translational biomarkers. Additionally, she has explored patient-reported outcomes and quality-of-life monitoring in CML, emphasizing the humanistic dimension of care. Dr. Giai is also active in immunological studies related to SARS-CoV-2 impacts on hematologic patients. Her interdisciplinary approach aims to improve long-term outcomes by tailoring treatment strategies based on disease biology, patient fitness, and real-world efficacy data.
🧪 Research Skills
Dr. Giai brings a versatile skill set spanning clinical trials, translational research, molecular diagnostics, and biostatistics. She is adept in designing and executing multicenter clinical trials, evidenced by her involvement in pivotal Phase II and III studies. Her lab-based experience includes work with hematopoietic stem cells, oxidative stress assays, and cellular characterization using flow cytometry and molecular markers. She has collaborated on biomarker identification, particularly in MDS and AML, and has validated prognostic scoring systems and response criteria. In addition to her technical prowess, she has contributed to data management, protocol writing, and regulatory submissions for ethical approval. Her international collaboration with Karolinska Institutet reflects her ability to conduct integrative research across institutions. Moreover, her skills extend to epidemiological surveys, quality-of-life studies, and SCORE models for cardiovascular risk in hematologic settings. She combines scientific rigor with a strong patient-centered research ethos.
✅ Conclusion
Dr. Valentina Giai is a prominent clinical researcher and hematologist whose contributions span from translational benchwork to advanced clinical trials. With a strong academic foundation and consistent clinical involvement, she continues to shape the future of hematologic therapies. Her research legacy is deeply embedded in precision medicine, collaborative networks, and patient-focused innovation.
📚 Publication Top Notes
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Scheinberg P, … Giai V, 2024 – Crovalimab vs eculizumab in PNH (Am J Hematol)
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Urbino I, … Giai V, 2024 – Sorafenib for FLT3-ITD AML (Leuk Res)
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Mulas O, … Giai V, 2024 – SCORE2 cardiovascular risk in CML (Ann Hematol)
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Efficace F, … Giai V, 2024 – Symptom monitoring in CML (Cancer)
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Lanino L, … Giai V, 2023 – Luspatercept real-world study in MDS (Am J Hematol)
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Oliva EN, … Giai V, 2023 – Eltrombopag in low-risk MDS: Phase II trial (JCO)
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Apolito V, … Giai V, 2023 – AML mortality prediction with SIE/SIES/GITMO (Br J Haematol)
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Pacelli P, … Giai V, 2023 – CD26+ LSCs post-TKI discontinuation (Front Pharmacol)
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Garcia-Manero G, … Giai V, 2021 – CC-486 in lower-risk MDS (JCO)
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Wei AH, … Giai V, 2020 – Oral azacitidine for AML in remission (NEJM)
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Mossuto S, … Giai V, 2020 – COVID-19 in MDS: Italian experience (HemaSphere)
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Fenaux P, … Giai V, 2020 – Luspatercept for MDS (NEJM)
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Giannotta JA, … Giai V, 2022 – COVID-19 vaccination in PNH (Am J Hematol)
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Calabretto G, … Giai V, 2022 – Hypocellular MDS: immunologic profile (Leukemia)
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Giai V, … 2022 – Oxidative stress in MDS progenitors (J Biotechnol Biomed)
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Arrigo G, … Giai V, 2022 – Gilteritinib for breast relapse of AML (Acta Haematol)
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Giai V, … 2021 – Philadelphia-negative MPN overview (Medicina)
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Benevolo G, … Giai V, 2021 – Update on Polycythemia Vera treatments (Ther Clin Risk Manag)
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Frairia C, … Giai V, 2023 – SCORE and SOFA in AML (Eur J Haematol)
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Urbino I, … Giai V, 2023 – Levofloxacin prophylaxis in AML (Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis)
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Aydin S, … Giai V, 2023 – AML fitness evaluation using HCT-CI, G8 (Cancers)
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Martella F, … Giai V, 2022 – Thrombosis risk in AML & MDS (Ann Hematol)
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Giai V, … 2016 – Imatinib discontinuation in CML (Br J Haematol)
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Ferrero D, … Giai V, 2009 – EPO + vitamin D in MDS anemia (Br J Haematol)
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Lobetti-Bodoni C, … Giai V, 2012 – Telomere loss in CML (Mech Ageing Dev)
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Ferrero D, … Giai V, 2014 – Maintenance chemotherapy in AML/MDS (Ann Hematol)
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Scharenberg C, … Giai V, 2017 – Mutations predicting del(5q) progression in MDS (Haematologica)
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Nikpour M, … Giai V, 2013 – ABCB7 in sideroblastic anemia (Leukemia)