Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular medical check-ups
- Stress management
- Healthy weight maintenance
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
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 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
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
hormone or peptideCorrelated with
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
01Top
#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.
02Top
#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.
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
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.
05
#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.
06
#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.
07
#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.
08
#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.
09
#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
- 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 (2)
2
Total Trials
240
Total Enrolled
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
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
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