C125 / CA125

CA 125 is a member of the hybridoma-defined tumour marker family. A number of nonovarian cancers, such as those of the cervix, liver, pancreas, lung, stomach, biliary tract, uterus, fallopian tube, breast, and endometrial carcinomas, can occasionally have elevated readings. A number of nonmalignant diseases, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, endometriosis, first-trimester pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease, have been linked to elevated serum CA 125 levels. There have also been reports of elevated levels throughout the menstrual cycle. Despite being a somewhat non-specific marker, CA 125 is now the most significant tumour marker for tracking the course of treatment for patients with serous ovarian carcinoma as well as for identifying intraperitoneal tumours and recurrent ovarian cancer.