CA-125

Clinical Significance:

CA-125 is a mucin like glycoprotein. It is a surface antigen associated with nonmucinous epithelial ovarian cancer. The protein is sloughed or secreted from the surface of the ovarian cancer cells into the serum or ascites also made by inflamed normal cells that line body parts. This substance is shed in body fluids and finds its way into the bloodstream. It is a useful tumor marker for evaluating therapy and monitoring disease status in patients under treatment for ovarian cancer.