Neuron-specific enolase (central and peripheral nervous system, lung, endocrine system)
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is an intracellular enzyme found in large quantities in cells of the nervous system, as well as in tumors formed from nervous tissue.
Clinicians consider NSE as an oncomarker, that is, a substance whose excess indicates a high probability of having cancer. It is worth remembering that the very detection of NSE in the blood cannot cause the diagnosis of cancer. This fact only indicates the need for a more detailed and expensive examination to exclude or confirm the diagnosis. The sooner the tumor is detected, the more likely it is to be completely cured.
The test is most specific for small cell lung cancer (more than 80%). It is possible to use Cyfra 21-1 test together for differential diagnosis with non-small cell lung cancer.
Neuroblastoma, seminoma – sensitivity 60%;
APUDoma – sensitivity of more than 30%;
Brain tumors – about 20%.
There may be an increase in NSE in the blood due to the death of nerve cells, which is possible with a brain injury or stroke.
The special clinical significance of the test is to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment and the presence of disease recurrence, which is observed by the change in NSE concentration in dynamics (increase or decrease in comparison with the initial level).
Read also: What Oncomarkers Can Tell You, 10 Main Cancer Symptoms Worth Knowing About