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


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Tiseo
Marcello
M
Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, 43100 Parma, Italy. mtiseo@ao.pr.it
Ardizzoni
Andrea
A
Cafferata
Mara Argenide
MA
Loprevite
Maura
M
Chiaramondia
Maurizio
M
Filiberti
Rosangela
R
Marroni
Paola
P
Grossi
Francesco
F
Paganuzzi
Michela
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies
D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase