title: Cancer antigen 125 in ovarian cancer surveillance: a decision analysis model.
abstract: We used decision analysis techniques with Markov cohort modeling to examine the role of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) in follow-up surveillance strategies among patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Utilities were derived from a societal perspective.Using quality-adjusted life years (QALYS) as the outcome variable, the value of CA-125 monitoring for asymptomatic women with ovarian cancer was found to be reduced as compared with a strategy that includes CA-125 testing. Decisions to include CA-125 in surveillance strategies for ovarian cancer patients should be made after discussion with full disclosure of the preference-sensitive nature of CA-125. The model demonstrates that preferences and perspective can influence decisions in cancer care.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario. lahopkins@ottawahospital.on.ca
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Hopkins
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Coyle
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Le
authors.forename: M Fung Kee
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Fung
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wells