Tumor markers for ovarian cancer

The main tumor markers of ovarian cancer include carbohydrate antigen 125, human epididymis protein 4, carcinoembryonic antigen, alpha-fetoprotein, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, etc. These markers can help diagnose and monitor the progression of ovarian cancer.

1. Carbohydrate antigen 125

Carbohydrate antigen 125 is the most commonly used tumor marker for epithelial ovarian cancer. Elevated levels of this marker may be associated with ovarian cancer, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other factors. Carbohydrate antigen 125 testing is commonly used for ovarian cancer screening, diagnosis, response evaluation, and recurrence monitoring. Patients with ovarian cancer need to regularly review this indicator during treatment. If the value continues to increase, it may indicate tumor recurrence or progression.

2. Human epididymis protein 4

Human epididymis protein 4 is a newer tumor marker for ovarian cancer. This protein is highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues, especially serous ovarian cancer and endometrioid ovarian cancer. Human epididymis protein 4 combined with carbohydrate antigen 125 detection can improve the accuracy of ovarian cancer diagnosis. Compared with single marker detection, combined detection can help detect ovarian cancer early and reduce the probability of missed diagnosis.

3. Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Carcinoembryonic antigen is a broad-spectrum tumor marker. Patients with ovarian mucinous carcinoma may have elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels. This marker has low specificity, and other malignant tumors such as gastrointestinal tumors and lung cancer can also cause its increase. Clinical diagnosis is usually not used as an independent diagnostic indicator for ovarian cancer, and it needs to be combined with other tumor markers and imaging examinations for comprehensive judgment.

4. Alpha-fetoprotein

Elevated alpha-fetoprotein is mainly seen in ovarian germ cell tumors, especially endodermal sinus tumors and embryonal carcinomas. This type of tumor is more common in young women and grows rapidly but is more sensitive to chemotherapy. Alpha-fetoprotein detection is helpful in the diagnosis, staging and efficacy observation of germ cell tumors. Alpha-fetoprotein levels will drop significantly when treatment is effective and may rise again when relapse occurs.

5. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 may be elevated in ovarian mucinous tumors. This marker is more commonly used in the diagnostic monitoring of pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. Higher preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels in patients with ovarian mucinous carcinoma may indicate a poor prognosis. Regular postoperative monitoring can help detect tumor recurrence early and adjust treatment plans in a timely manner.

Tumor marker test results are an important reference for clinical diagnosis, but ovarian cancer cannot be diagnosed simply by relying on elevated markers. The diagnosis of ovarian cancer requires a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging examinations and pathological biopsy. If abnormal tumor markers are found, timely medical treatment should be carried out and relevant examinations should be completed to confirm the diagnosis. People at high risk of ovarian cancer are recommended to have regular physical examinations, including gynecological examinations, ultrasound examinations and tumor marker tests. A healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and maintaining a good attitude.