CA-125/HE4 monitor for recurrence

Hello Dr.- from a worried son....

My mom was diagnosed stage IIc back in October 2006- finished Chemo w/ taxol/carboplatin in Feb 2007. Has gotten monitored for a CA-125 every 8 weeks and a CT scan every 3 months- just went to every 6 months last year...My question is she has always been around 5-8 for her CA125 since chemo ended, and started the HE4 test a year ago in conjunction with the CA-125 test. It started at 31, then went to 34, and today was at 37. But her CA125 is at 5 (3rd time in a row has not moved). Should we be concerned that it has risen? I read that 35 was a good baseline?
Any info is much appreciated. I pray for you ladies every nite.

Thanks

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There
HE4 was developed for screening and not for monitoring recurrence after treatment.
If a person had an elevated CA 125 at diagnosis, this is a sensitive test and usually is al that is used.

there has been a push  to get away from CA 125 monitoring and just use exam and symptom checks.
this is because there was a large study that showed no improvement in survival with following CA 125s after treatment compared to exams and symptom checks

having said that, I know it is very hard for many people to forgo checking the blood work
best wishes