Tumor markers CA 125

CA 125 is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 200 kDa and a carbohydrate content of about 25%. CA 125 serum circulating glycoprotein related to one another weighing less than 1000 kDa.

CA 125 was first outlined in 1983 by Bastia et al. 82% of patients with ovarian cancer. CA 125 is identified by its reactivity with monoclonal antibodies that recognize the 125 OC repetitive antigenic determinants of CA 125.

CA 125 is present in the epithelium during embryonic development celomic and adults in serous ovarian carcinoma cell lines or tissues adenocarcinomatoase serous, but not in normal ovarian structures.

Normal values for CA 125 below 35 U / ml. Physiological increases occur during menstruation and pregnant women.

The main indication is to monitor patients with ovarian serous or undifferentiated cancers. Elevated CA 125 levels correlate with tumor mass and may precede clinical manifestations by several months. The presence of elevated levels indicate an evolving disease and the need for exploratory laparatomii.

CA 125 is an ovarian cancer screening method, but in combination with ultrasound, but must be determined in all patients suspected of being an ovarian carcinoma after treatment and at regular intervals to monitor response and early detection of recurrence.

Increasing CA 125 levels can be caused by other genital carcinoma (endometrium, cervix, breast).

Slightly elevated levels, transient can be recorded and attached acute endometriosis, peritonitis, acute pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, acute hepatitis, chronic renal failure.