CA 125 - Carbohydrate, Carcinoma Antigen (Blood)

General Information

CA-125 (Carbohydrate Antigen)Is a glycoprotein found in the epithelium of the ovaries, pancreas, gallbladder, stomach, bronchi, kidneys, and intestines. Its increased level can be observed both in malignant processes of the above organs, as well as in benign tumors and inflammatory diseases. This determines the low specificity of this tumor marker.

CA 125 carbohydrate antigen has diagnostic value in epithelial (non-mucinous) ovarian cancer, but cannot be used for population screening due to its lack of sensitivity in early stages of the disease. Its use is recommended as a screening test in postmenopausal women, as well as in women of any age with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer (especially in the presence of a BRCA ½ mutation). Although its level may be increased in other gynecological and gastrointestinal malignancies, the use of this tumor marker is not recommended for screening and diagnostics in such situations due to low diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Determination of CA-125 as an additional marker in pancreatic cancer (in combination with CA 19-9) is recommended.

CA 125 level dynamics are of great importance in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment in predicting the risk of recurrence and metastasis. Its determination is informative in case of detection of a formation in the pelvic area and during monitoring of endometriosis therapy.