The Diagnostic Rate and Clinical Implications of Neuron-Specific Enolase in Neuroendocrine Tumors and Small Cell Lung Cancer: Data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey

Aim:Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a widely used tumor marker for the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This study aimed to evaluate the utilization, diagnostic rate, distribution by gender and age groups, and variation in test requests across different healthcare institutions for NSE.Methods:A cross-sectional analysis based on Data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey data from 2017 to 2021 was conducted. Neuron-specific enolase tests were requested from a total of 24,763 individuals, and the results of 110,401 tests were evaluated.Results:Neuron-specific enolase has emerged as the most commonly requested tumor marker in pediatric hematology and oncology clinics. Compared to other tumor markers (cancer antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen 15-3 etc.), NSE testing demonstrated the highest diagnostic rate. The test was predominantly requested prior to or simultaneously with the diagnosis and less frequently after the diagnosis. NSE testing showed a higher positivity rate in individuals with confirmed neuroendocrine tumors and SCLC than in others. Moreover, public, training, research, and university hospitals requested NSE tests more than other institutions.Conclusion:Neuron-specific enolase plays a significant role as a valuable tumor marker in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors and SCLC. This study highlights the diagnostic rate, utilization in pediatric hematology and oncology clinics, and variations across healthcare institutions.. The findings of this study can guide clinicians and researchers in the management of these malignancies.