Cancer antigen 125: lost to follow-up? A European Society of Gynaecological Oncology consensus statement

Verheijen, R.H.M., Cibula, D., Zola, P. and Reed, N. (2012) Cancer antigen 125: lost to follow-up? A European Society of Gynaecological Oncology consensus statement. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 22(1), pp. 170-174. (doi: 10.1097/IGC.0b013e318226c636)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/IGC.0b013e318226c636

Abstract

A recent study on the use of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) in follow-up of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer after complete response on primary treatment is critically reviewed. As it has been suggested to refrain from CA-125 altogether, this European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology report has also reviewed possible disadvantages, even possible harm, and potentially missed opportunities when such policy would be implemented. It is concluded that indeed routine use of CA-125 does not provide patient benefit in survival or quality of life. However, there may be other reasons for monitoring CA-125, which are discussed in this review. It is noted that the lack of benefit of CA-125 monitoring has only been proven for a specific subset of ovarian cancer patients with serous histology and frequent follow-up visits including imaging and in a clinical environment where, particularly, surgery for recurrent disease and clinical studies on new second-line agents will not be considered. A special warning is issued not to stop tumor marker follow-up in other than epithelial ovarian cancers and in follow-up of patients who not have been treated with chemotherapy.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Reed, Dr Nicholas
Authors: Verheijen, R.H.M., Cibula, D., Zola, P., and Reed, N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:International Journal of Gynecological Cancer
ISSN:1048-891X
ISSN (Online):1525-1438

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