Predictive and prognostic significance of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in non-small cell lung cancer

Anticancer Res. 2008 Jan-Feb;28(1B):507-13.

Abstract

Background: The predictive and prognostic role of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still under debate.

Patients and methods: To study these aspects, serum NSE was prospectively measured at baseline of first-line chemotherapy treatment and tested for correlation with clinical outcome in 129 advanced NSCLC patients.

Results: An objective response was achieved in 27 out of 65 (41.5%) patients with NSE < 8.6 ng/ml and in 38 out of 64 (59.4%) patients with NSE > or = 8.6 ng/ml (p = 0.05). Logistic analysis confirmed the positive association between objective response and NSE values > or = 8.6 ng/ml (odds ratio = 1.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.09-2.63; p = 0.02). Overall median survival was 10.8 months. A statistically significant prognostic effect on survival was found for performance status, stage and response to treatment, but not for baseline NSE value.

Conclusion: Based on these data, baseline circulating tumor NSE levels appear to have a weak predictive role, but not a prognostic significance in patients with advanced NSCLC submitted to standard chemotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / enzymology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lung Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / biosynthesis
  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / blood
  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / metabolism*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase