Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular medical check-ups
- Monitoring for symptoms of ovarian cancer
Blutwerte · Marker
CA-125
Cancer Antigen 125 · CA125
Tumormarker & Screening
- Einheit:
- U/mL
CA-125 quantifies the concentration of the cancer antigen 125 glycoprotein in the blood.
Reference Ranges
Reference
0–35U/mL
0
35
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · U/mLLevels 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 women with ovarian cancer. It is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein that is produced by epithelial cells, particularly those lining the reproductive tract. Researchers have found that CA-125 is the most widely used biomarker for ovarian cancer detection, although its specificity is limited. Clinically, CA-125 is significant in monitoring the treatment response and progression of ovarian cancer, as well as in assessing the risk of malignancy in patients with pelvic masses. Elevated levels can also be seen in other conditions such as endometriosis and liver disease, which limits its utility as a standalone diagnostic tool. In the context of athletic performance, biohacking, or longevity, CA-125 does not have direct relevance. However, understanding its levels can be crucial for individuals with a family history of ovarian cancer or those undergoing cancer treatment. Researchers observed that CA-125 levels can be influenced by factors such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and benign gynecological conditions, which can confound its interpretation. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when evaluating CA-125 levels, and it is not typically used for routine screening in asymptomatic individuals.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated CA-125 levels are often associated with ovarian cancer, but can also be elevated in other conditions such as endometriosis, liver disease, and pregnancy. Low levels of CA-125 are generally not clinically significant.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising values may suggest worsening ovarian cancer or recurrence. Re-test every 3 months if elevated.
Falling Values
Falling values may indicate a positive response to cancer treatment.
Re-test Interval
3 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometriosis
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Menstruation
Cause
Low Levels
- Effective cancer treatment
- Non-cancerous conditions
- Normal physiological state
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Balanced diet
- Adequate hydration
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if CA-125 is used for monitoring cancer.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Testing Frequency
Every 6-12 months for those at risk of ovarian cancer
Interfering Factors
- Menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy
- Benign gynecological conditions
Related Peptides & Hormones
Brca1
hormone or peptideCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the biological role of CA-125 in tumorigenesis and its reliability for early-stage ovarian cancer diagnosis remain debated, particularly regarding optimal reference ranges and confounding factors affecting specificity. Emerging research directions include the development of multimarker panels and novel biomarkers to enhance early detection. However, researchers have not yet established the precise relationship between CA-125 levels and treatment response, particularly in assessing chemosensitivity and predicting long-term outcomes.
25 Research Publications
1,452
Total Citations
8
Human/RCT
4.6
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Roles of CA125 in diagnosis, prediction, and oncogenesis of ovarian cancer.
ReviewInfluence6.0
346
This study investigated the roles of CA-125 in ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment. Researchers found that CA-125 is not reliable for early diagnosis but is useful for evaluating treatment efficacy and prognosis, highlighting the need for a better understanding of its biological role.
02Top
#02
Molecular Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer.
ReviewInfluence10.0
242
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 for improved diagnostic efficacy. Ongoing research is focused on developing novel biomarkers for earlier detection of ovarian cancer.
03Top
#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.
04
#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
111
This study assessed the CA-125 elimination rate constant (KELIM) as a predictor of treatment success in ovarian cancer. Researchers found that KELIM is a significant marker of chemosensitivity and can help in decision-making regarding treatment strategies.
05
#05
Diagnosis of endometriosis.
ReviewInfluence2.0
105
This study reviewed the challenges in diagnosing endometriosis and the role of CA-125. Researchers found that while CA-125 is the best available marker, it is typically elevated only in advanced stages, making it unsuitable for routine screening.
06
#06
Cervical Cancer Markers: Epigenetics and microRNAs.
ReviewInfluence4.0
101
Researchers discussed the use of tumor markers like CA-125 in cervical cancer diagnosis but noted the necessity for new markers with higher sensitivity and specificity. They focused on the potential of microRNAs as early biomarkers.
07
#07
BRCA genes: BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.
ReviewInfluence2.0
74
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 recommend monitoring serum CA-125 levels as part of their surveillance.
08
#08
Ovarian cancer molecular pathology.
Review
62
Researchers reviewed the molecular pathology of ovarian cancer, emphasizing CA-125's role as a biomarker. They found its sensitivity is low in early-stage cancer and highlighted the need for additional biomarkers for improved diagnosis.
09
#09
New biomarkers in endometriosis.
Coutinho Larissa M, et al. · Advances in clinical chemistry · 2019
ReviewInfluence2.0
54
Researchers noted that while serum CA-125 is the most studied biomarker for endometriosis, its diagnostic performance is poor. They emphasized the ongoing search for more effective biomarkers to improve diagnosis and management of the condition.
Key findings
- 01Most potential biomarkers for endometriosis have been discarded during research.
- 02CA-125 is the most studied biomarker but has poor diagnostic performance.
- 03New approaches in molecular biology may help identify effective biomarkers in the future.
10
#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.
Clinical Trials (9)
9
Total Trials
8,600
Total Enrolled
Tinzaparin And Biomarkers After Neoadjuvant Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Sponsor
University Hospital, Linkoeping
Enrollment
40
Started
2022
Primary outcome
Changes in serum levels of CA-125
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
CA-125 and Severity of Pre-Eclampsia
NCT02704676UNKNOWN
Sponsor
Ain Shams Maternity Hospital
Enrollment
120
Started
2016
Primary outcome
increase serum CA-125 in pre-eclamptic patients
Pre-Eclampsia
The Prognostic and Predictive Value of the CA-125 Marker in Lung Cancer Monitoring
NCT02437760UNKNOWN
Sponsor
E-DA Hospital
Enrollment
200
Started
2015
Primary outcome
The diagnostic Value of the cancer antigen-125 in lung cancer
Lung Cancer
E7080 in Combination With Carboplatin + Gemcitabine Versus Carboplatin + Gemcitabine Alone as Second Line Therapy in Patients With Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer by CA125
Sponsor
Eisai Inc.
Enrollment
7
Started
2010
Primary outcome
Number of Participants With Dose Limiting Toxicity (DLT)
Ovarian Cancer
An Open Label Extension Study of the Efficacy of MORAb-003
Sponsor
Morphotek
Enrollment
3
Started
2010
Primary outcome
Duration of Ovarian Tumor Marker (Cancer Antigen 125 [CA125]) Response
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Study of AMG 479 as Second Line Therapy in Patients With Recurrent Platinum-sensitive Ovarian Cancer
Sponsor
Translational Research in Oncology
Enrollment
61
Started
2009
Primary outcome
Objective Response Rate (ORR) Investigator Assessment: % of Patients in the Group Who Achieve a Complete Response(CR) or Partial Response(PR) According to RECIST Criteria and GCIG CA125 Response Criteria. - Assessments of the Response by the Investigators
Ovarian Neoplasms
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
A Study to Evaluate the Effect of HER2 Activation on rhuMAb 2C4 (Pertuzumab) in Subjects With Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Sponsor
Genentech, Inc.
Enrollment
129
Started
2003
Primary outcome
Percentage of Participants With Best Overall Response of Complete Response (CR) or Partial Response (PR) Determined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) Version (v) 1.1 or Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) Changes
Ovarian Cancer
Use of CA125 and Complementary Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer in Low Risk Women
NCT00539162RECRUITING
Sponsor
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Enrollment
8,000
Started
2001
Primary outcome
Rate of increase in CA 125 levels and other tumor markers over time
Ovarian Cancer
Publication Trend
Research publications about CA-125 over time
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