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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
Interpreting the CA-125
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
Interpreting the CA-125
by dgrandmother, May 24, 2007 12:00AM
Does the CA-125 blood test monitor the ovarian cancer that has spread to the abdominal wall and maybe other areas? Mom was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer. Removed two very large tumors. Doctor described what was inoperable as a "scattering of rice" throughout the abdominal wall. Her CA-125 was 195 March 24. Surgery March 25. April 9 prior to first chemotherapy on April 9 CA-125 was 192. After two chemotherapy treatments, her CA-125 was 20.6 (May 21). This is within normal range. We are elated. I think I understand from my reading that wherever the ovarian cancer spreads to it is still ovarian cancer. This leads me to believe the CA-125 is monitoring all areas since it stands to reason in my layperson mind that the antigen being monitored would be the same wherever the cancer is located. Please advise...and thank you!
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., May 26, 2007 12:00AM
, May 26, 2007 12:00AM
Hi There,
I completely agree with nyc lady. the CA 125 is a protein that is secreted by certain cancer cells. it most commonly is secreted by ovarian cancer but certain other cancers such as uterine, some sarcomas and bowel cancers can produce it. You are right, it does not matter where in the body it is.
Yes , we still call cancer cells ovarian cancer even after they have spread. The diagnosis is based on how the cells look under the microscope. ovarian cancer cells look different than lung cancer or liver cancer.
To NYC lady - thank you for lifting my spirits
to dkw139 - there is no set, written in stone protocol for follow up after cancer treatment. there are some general standard of care practices:
exams and CA 125 every three months for the first two years
exams and CA 125 every 6 month after two years out from therapy.
i usually do a few extra things but this is not universal:
I check a full Lab panel once a year including blood count (CBC) , kidney and liver function
I do check a CT scan once a year
I make sure that my patients are up to date on their mammograms (yearly), colonoscopy (every 5 years), and bone density tests (every two years)
best wishes
I completely agree with nyc lady. the CA 125 is a protein that is secreted by certain cancer cells. it most commonly is secreted by ovarian cancer but certain other cancers such as uterine, some sarcomas and bowel cancers can produce it. You are right, it does not matter where in the body it is.
Yes , we still call cancer cells ovarian cancer even after they have spread. The diagnosis is based on how the cells look under the microscope. ovarian cancer cells look different than lung cancer or liver cancer.
To NYC lady - thank you for lifting my spirits
to dkw139 - there is no set, written in stone protocol for follow up after cancer treatment. there are some general standard of care practices:
exams and CA 125 every three months for the first two years
exams and CA 125 every 6 month after two years out from therapy.
i usually do a few extra things but this is not universal:
I check a full Lab panel once a year including blood count (CBC) , kidney and liver function
I do check a CT scan once a year
I make sure that my patients are up to date on their mammograms (yearly), colonoscopy (every 5 years), and bone density tests (every two years)
best wishes
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I am certain that Dr. Goodman will be along shortly to give you a more indepth understanding of the CA125s. Dr Goodman is the best!!!!!
By the way, I feel great during the chemo. If my hair didn't fall out, I would have thought it wasn't working because of how great I am feeling. I went back to work full time after 8 weeks and am not even extra tired from putting in a long day. No loss of appetite or body ached either!