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CYFRA 21-1/NSE Panel

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

The CYFRA 21-1/NSE panel measures the levels of cytokeratin fragment 19 (CYFRA 21-1) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in the blood, which are biomarkers often elevated in lung cancer and other neuroendocrine tumors.

Quick summary

This panel helps diagnose and monitor lung cancer and neuroendocrine tumors.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
ng/mL
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Roche CYFRA 21-1, Abbott CYFRA 21-1, Fujirebio CYFRA 21-1
interpretation: {"text":"0–10 ng/mL: Levels within this range are generally considered normal.","label":"Normal"}; {"text":">10 ng/mL: Levels above the reference range may indicate the presence of lung cancer or other neuroendocrine tumors.","label":"Elevated"}

The CYFRA 21-1/NSE panel is a diagnostic tool used primarily in the detection and management of lung cancer. CYFRA 21-1 is a fragment of cytokeratin 19, a protein found in the intermediate filaments of epithelial cells, and its levels can be elevated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is an enzyme found in neural tissue and neuroendocrine cells. Elevated levels of NSE are often associated with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and other neuroendocrine tumors. Together, these markers provide a comprehensive assessment of potential tumor presence and type.

The reference range for the CYFRA 21-1/NSE panel is typically between 0–10 ng/mL. Levels above this range may indicate the presence of cancer, although further diagnostic tests are required for confirmation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CYFRA 21-1/NSE panel used for?
It is used for the diagnosis and monitoring of lung cancer and other neuroendocrine tumors.
What do elevated levels of CYFRA 21-1 and NSE indicate?
Elevated levels may indicate the presence of lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer for CYFRA 21-1 and small cell lung cancer for NSE.
  1. 1
    Clinical utility of CYFRA 21-1 and NSE in lung cancerSource
  2. 2
    NSE as a biomarker in neuroendocrine tumorsSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy