Combined prognostic importance of CA 125, histopathologic grade and DNA-index in advanced ovarian cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the possible prognostic importance of a combination of serum CA 125 levels, tumor cell DNA distribution and histopathologic grade in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.


METHODS
The study included 41 patients with ovarian cancer stages II-IV. CA 125 was measured before the start of chemotherapy and after every course. The DNA distribution was analysed by flow cytometry in biopsy specimens from the primary tumour. The histopathologic grading was performed according to WHO criteria.


RESULTS
The CA 125 level was of major prognostic significance. All patients with an abnormal value (> 35 U/ml) after three courses died within 16 months. The DNA distribution did not add significant prognostic information, but the histopathologic grade was of significant prognostic importance as investigated by Cox analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
CA 125 is an important prognostic marker in epithelial ovarian cancer. The value after three courses of chemotherapy is significant. The histopathologic grade adds further prognostic information.
Nyvang
G B
GB
Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Mogensen
O
O
Bichel
P
P
Jakobsen
A
A
D018394:CA-125 Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D018284:Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D011003:Ploidies; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D016019:Survival Analysis
D018394:CA-125 Antigen; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm