Ovarian cancer: markers, hormones receptors, immunological status

Like other solid tumors ovarian tumors have been intensely investigated these past years to isolate specific tumoral antigens. These antigens are now used by clinical teams for post therapeutic follow-up. However, out of the 25 major antigens actually described in ovarian carcinomas, the only one that can be used today is the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Moreover, an international collaborative work has demonstrated cross reacting antigenicity between these major tumoral antigens. Cellular enzymes (galactosyl transferase and sialyl-transferase) and hormonal receptors for proteinic hormones such as steroid hormones) are being studied but cannot be used as screening markers at this time.