The role of tumour markers in ovarian cancer
Gargano, G.; Correale, M.; Abbate, I.; Falco, G.; De Frenza, N.; Lorusso, V.; De Lena, M.; De Leonardis, A.
Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology 17(1): 23-29
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0390-6663 PMID: 2194706 Document Number: 360627
In the present review, the Authors have evaluated the current status of the utilization of the principle tumor markers for ovarian carcinoma in clinical gynecological practice. The major difficulty in individualizing a single marker is represented by the histological differentiation of the tumor itself. In fact, whereas for the malignant germ cell tumors, useful markers (AFP, B-HCG) are already available, for other histological forms, valid markers have been identified only because of the availability of the monoclonal antibody: CA 125. Even if this marker cannot be proposed for mass screening, it represents a useful instrument for the diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian carcinoma. The serum levels are well correlated with the clinical status of the patient and high concentrations of the marker are strongly indicative of disease progression at the second-look. Numerous other markers such as NB 70K, IAP, PLAP, CA 15-3 and TAG 72, are actually in the clinical evaluation phase, for the most part in association with CA 125.