Blood level of neurofilament light chain as a biomarker for neurological disorders

Key messages Raised blood levels of neurofilament light chain are found in a range of conditions associated with neurological injuryUse of neurofilament light chain is highly dependent on the clinical context, with low independent diagnostic specificity and limited sensitivity to slowly progressive neuropathologyIn multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neurofilament light chain measurement could have an independent role in categorising and evaluating therapeutic response for drug developmentFor the primary dementias, measuring levels of neurofilament light chain might have diagnostic and prognostic value as part of a wider panel of evaluationsIn primary care, the positive predictive value of high neurofilament levels for the earlier detection of subclinical, progressive central nervous system pathology warrants studyBlood based assay for neurofilament light chain could be a valuable clinical tool for a range of neurological disorders, argue Martin Turner and colleagues, but a clear understanding of the context for optimal use and current limitations is essentialIntroduction Neurofilaments are proteins that form the key scaffolding components of nerves.