Neurone Specific Enolase (NSE)

General Information

Enolase is a glycolytic enzyme which catalyses the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate.

NSE has been found in most tumours of neuroectodermal or neuroendocrine origin. Elevated concentrations of serum NSE have been described in patients with neuroblastoma, small-cell carcinoma of the lung, melanoma, pancreatic islet-cell carcinoma and hypernephroma.

Serum NSE can be of diagnostic value in suspected cases of neuroblastoma in childhood and, in this situation, provides a monitor of tumour bulk after initial treatment.

The elevated concentrations associated with small cell carcinoma of the lung, pancreatic islet cell tumours etc. are of value in monitoring tumour bulk but are of little value as a primary diagnostic aid.

NSE can provide useful information in terms of metastatic dissemination, particularly in relation to hepatic metastases, of melanoma of both skin and ocular primary origin.