Normal range: Up to 17 ng/mL
Comment: NSE has no established role in screening for, or early detection of, neoplastic disease. Some investigators have found that, in patients with small cell lung carcinoma, NSE measured after the first cycle of chemotherapy is useful as an early and independent predictor of complete response and survival. In a study of 770 patients with small cell lung carcinoma treated in 9 centers, NSE has been used, together with disease stage and performance status, in a formula to calculate a prognostic index. Investigators from the National Cancer Institute in Milan have found serum NSE useful as in treatment monitoring and prognosis assessment in patients with neuroblastoma
Sample: serum