title: CA 125 in the follow-up of patients with ovarian cancer.
abstract: The value of CA 125 measurement in the diagnosis and follow-up of ovarian cancer was studied in 102 patients. The CA 125 levels were elevated in 88% (322/365) of samples from 82 patients with clinical evidence of disease and in 14% (56/403) of samples from 58 patients without clinical evidence. Preoperative levels were elevated in 84% (44/52) of the patients, and in 100% of those with stage III and IV disease. In patients with non-mucinous tumors the preoperative levels were elevated in 95% of cases (38/40). CA 125 levels were significantly correlated with the course of disease in 88% (36/41) of patients whose tumor regressed, and in 87% (20/23) of those whose tumor progressed. Before second-look surgery of 48 patients, the sensitivity of the CA 125 test was 35% and the specificity was 86%. The results suggest that, although far from infallible, CA 125 is a useful marker for ovarian cancer. It is useful for monitoring the course of chemotherapy, but normal levels do not rule out the possibility of persistent or recurrent disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Halila
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lehtovirta
authors.forename: U H
authors.initials: UH
authors.lastname: Stenman
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seppälä
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy