WCM/EADO 2021 | Serum NSE levels as a biomarker in MCC

Alexander van Akkooi, MD, PhD, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, outlines the findings of a study which investigated the potential of serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) as a biomarker for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). The study analyzed data from 84 patients with MCC. Baseline serum NSE levels were found to have no association with prognosis, however correlations were found with disease extent and serum NSE was able to detect progression. Overall, the study concluded that serum NSE could be useful as a biomarker for detection of progression and response to immunotherapy. This interview took place during the 10th World Congress of Melanoma in conjunction with the 17th EADO Congress Interactive Virtual Meeting.