Serum markers as prognostic factors in epithelial ovarian cancer: an overview

A comprehensive review of the literature and the authors' personal experience on serum determination of tumour markers in epithelial ovarian cancer can be summarised as follows: CA 125 is the most reliable marker for monitoring the course of epithelial ovarian cancer; CA 125 assay is not an adequate screening test for this malignancy but it can represent an useful adjunct to clinical examination and ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of ovarian masses in postmenopausal women; Serial measurements of CA 125 are useful in monitoring the response to chemotherapy and follow-up. In patients with preoperative positive CA 125 assay, the concomitant determination of other tumour markers does not add further information when compared to CA 125 alone. Conversely in patients with preoperative negative assay the measurement of one or more of other antigens could be of clinical relevance.