MITOSCORE

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is characterized by the uncontrolled malignant proliferation of immature myeloid progenitors, known as leukemic cells, which are blocked at an early stage of differentiation. These cells accumulate in the bone marrow and may eventually infiltrate other organs. In France, approximately 3,500 new cases are diagnosed each year, with incidence increasing with age (median age at diagnosis is around 67–70 years). Despite therapeutic advances, the prognosis remains poor, with an average 5-year survival rate of only 35%.

A widely used international prognostic classification, the ELN (European LeukemiaNet), is applied at diagnosis to guide treatment strategies. However, this classification still has limitations. Up to 40% of patients may be misclassified. This poor outcome is largely due to disease relapse occurring at varying intervals post-treatment.

Therefore, a major current challenge in AML is the predictive identification of patients who are likely to respond to chemotherapy versus those who are chemoresistant.

SCOREMITO is based on mitochondrial genome analysis, which complements the ELN classification by providing a more precise, easier-to-implement stratification that may also be applicable beyond AML prognostication.

The SCOREMITO is a prognostic classification score based on a combination of molecular abnormalities in nine mitochondrial genes.

Mitochondrial DNA sequencing is an innovative technology in oncohematology. It is simpler and more cost-effective (sequencing ~16 kb versus panels of ~100 kb and karyotyping) and does not require cell culture.

In AML, the SCOREMITO enables improved prognostic stratification compared to the 2017 ELN score. It could be integrated at the time of diagnosis as a complement to the ELN classification, as well as in the monitoring of potential disease relapse.

The technology has been validated on four cohorts, including three international retrospective cohorts.

A dedicated software program has been developed to process and analyze sequencing data.

We are seeking to partner with an industry player to co-develop a complete “ready to use solution for clinicians”, combining reagent kits and analysis software.

• Prognostic testing in AML
• Prognostic testing in other chemosensitive cancers, particularly those treated with anthracyclines (e.g., breast cancer, sarcomas)