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Blutwerte · Marker

CA-125

Cancer Antigen 125 · CA125

Tumormarker & Screening
Einheit:
U/mL

CA-125 measures the concentration of the cancer antigen 125 glycoprotein in the blood.

Reference Ranges

Reference
035U/mL
0
35
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · U/mL

Levels can be influenced by menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and benign conditions.

Overview

Übersicht

Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) is a protein that is often elevated in the blood of individuals with certain types of cancer, most notably ovarian cancer. It is produced by the epithelial cells lining the reproductive tract and other tissues. Researchers have found that CA-125 is a glycoprotein that can be measured in the blood to assess the presence and progression of disease. Clinically, CA-125 is primarily used as a tumor marker in the management of ovarian cancer. Elevated levels of CA-125 are often associated with ovarian cancer, but can also be seen in other conditions such as endometriosis, liver disease, and other malignancies. It is not specific enough to be used as a standalone diagnostic tool for early-stage ovarian cancer due to its low specificity. However, it is valuable in monitoring treatment response and disease progression. While CA-125 is not directly related to athletic performance, biohacking, or longevity, its monitoring can be crucial for individuals at risk of or undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. Researchers observed that CA-125 levels can be influenced by various factors, including menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and benign conditions, which can confound results. It is not typically affected by time-of-day or fasting status, but it is important to consider these potential confounders when interpreting results.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated CA-125 levels may indicate the presence of ovarian cancer or other malignancies, but can also be elevated in benign conditions like endometriosis. Reduced levels are typically not clinically significant.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising CA-125 values may suggest disease progression or recurrence. Re-test in 4-6 weeks if values are outside the normal range.

Falling Values

Falling CA-125 values may indicate a positive response to treatment.

Re-test Interval

4-6 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Ovarian cancer
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Liver disease
  • Pregnancy
Cause

Low Levels

  • Not clinically significant
  • Normal variation
  • Effective treatment response
  • Resolution of disease
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular medical check-ups
  • Stress management
  • Healthy weight maintenance
Lever

Nutrition

  • Balanced diet
  • Adequate hydration
  • Avoidance of processed foods

Note:

Consult healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if undergoing cancer treatment.

Testing Guidelines

Fasting Not Required
Not Time-Sensitive

Testing Frequency

Every 6-12 months for individuals at risk or undergoing treatment.

Interfering Factors

  • Menstrual cycle
  • Pregnancy
  • Recent surgery

Related Peptides & Hormones

Brca1

Correlated with

hormone or peptide

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that the biological role of CA-125 in ovarian cancer remains poorly understood, particularly regarding its specificity and reliability for early-stage diagnosis. Researchers have not yet established optimal reference ranges or the impact of confounding factors such as endometriosis on CA-125 levels. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered about the efficacy of CA-125-targeted treatment strategies and the integration of CA-125 with novel biomarkers for improved diagnostic accuracy.

24 Research Publications

1,427

Total Citations

8

Human/RCT

4.3

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Roles of CA125 in diagnosis, prediction, and oncogenesis of ovarian cancer.

ReviewInfluence6.0
338
This study investigated the diagnostic reliability of CA-125 in ovarian cancer. Researchers observed that CA-125 is not reliable for early-stage diagnosis but is valuable for assessing treatment efficacy and prognosis. There is a growing interest in CA-125-targeted treatment strategies.
View on PubMed
#02

Molecular Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer.

ReviewInfluence8.0
234
This study examined the role of CA-125 as a biomarker for ovarian cancer detection. Researchers found that while CA-125 is widely used, it has low specificity and is often combined with other markers to improve diagnostic efficacy. Ongoing research is exploring novel biomarkers to enhance early detection of ovarian cancer.
View on PubMed
#03

Clinical Use of Cancer Biomarkers in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Updated Guidelines From the European Group on Tumor Markers.

ReviewInfluence7.0
232
Researchers updated guidelines on the clinical use of CA-125 in epithelial ovarian cancer, noting its low sensitivity and specificity for screening. They recommended CA-125 for monitoring treatment response but cautioned against its use as a standalone diagnostic tool.
View on PubMed
#04

CA-125 ELIMination Rate Constant K (KELIM) Is a Marker of Chemosensitivity in Patients with Ovarian Cancer: Results from the Phase II CHIVA Trial.

HumanInfluence7.0
105
This study assessed the CA-125 elimination rate constant (KELIM) as a marker of chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer patients. Researchers found that KELIM is a significant predictor of treatment success and patient prognosis. The study suggests that KELIM may guide decision-making for surgical interventions.
View on PubMed
#05

Diagnosis of endometriosis.

ReviewInfluence2.0
105
This study highlighted the challenges in diagnosing endometriosis, noting that CA-125 is often elevated only in advanced stages. Researchers found that while CA-125 is the best available marker, it is not suitable for routine screening. Imaging techniques are recommended for better detection.
View on PubMed
#06

Cervical Cancer Markers: Epigenetics and microRNAs.

ReviewInfluence4.0
101
This study examined various tumor markers, including CA-125, in cervical cancer. Researchers found that while CA-125 provides some diagnostic assistance, there is a need for new molecular markers with higher sensitivity and specificity. The study emphasizes the potential of microRNAs in early detection.
View on PubMed
#07

BRCA genes: BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.

ReviewInfluence2.0
73
This study explored the implications of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations on ovarian cancer risk. Researchers found that women with these mutations have an increased risk for early onset of ovarian cancer and that monitoring includes serum CA-125 levels. Regular imaging and testing are recommended for those with BRCA mutations.
View on PubMed
#08

Ovarian cancer molecular pathology.

Review
62
This study focused on the molecular pathology of ovarian cancer and the use of CA-125 as a biomarker. Researchers found that CA-125 has high specificity but low sensitivity in early-stage cancer. The study calls for the identification of additional biomarkers for better diagnosis.
View on PubMed
#09

New biomarkers in endometriosis.

Coutinho Larissa M, et al. · Advances in clinical chemistry · 2019

ReviewInfluence2.0
54
This study reviewed the limitations of current biomarkers for endometriosis, including CA-125. Researchers found that CA-125 has poor diagnostic performance and that ongoing research is needed to identify more effective biomarkers. The study emphasizes the need for novel approaches in biomarker discovery.

Key findings

  1. 01Most potential biomarkers for endometriosis have been discarded during research.
  2. 02CA-125 is the most studied biomarker but has poor diagnostic performance.
  3. 03New approaches in molecular biology may help identify effective biomarkers in the future.
View on PubMed
#10

The Potential Role of MUC16 (CA125) Biomarker in Lung Cancer: A Magic Biomarker but with Adversity.

Review
47
This study explored the potential role of CA-125 in lung cancer. Researchers observed that while CA-125 can aid in diagnosis, its reliability is limited due to variability in expression among different cancer types.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (2)

2

Total Trials

240

Total Enrolled

The Prognostic and Predictive Value of the CA-125 Marker in Lung Cancer Monitoring

Sponsor

E-DA Hospital

Enrollment

200

Started

2015

Primary outcome

The diagnostic Value of the cancer antigen-125 in lung cancer

Lung Cancer

Removal of the Ovaries/Fallopian Tubes and CA-125 Screening to Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer in Women at Increased Genetic Risk

NCT00043472COMPLETED
Sponsor

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Enrollment

40

Started

2003

Primary outcome

To determine the prospective incidence of ovarian cancer, breastcancer, primary peritoneal carcinoma, and all cancer among women at increased risk of ovarian cancer, with a special emphasis on womenwho are known BRCA1/2 mutation carriers

Breast CancerOvarian Cancer

Publication Trend

Research publications about CA-125 over time

10total
1
'03
1
'12
1
'14
2
'18
2
'19
1
'20
1
'21
1
'22

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