[Predictive value of the tumor marker combination CA-125 and beta-2-microglobulin in ovarian cancer]

Beta-2-Microglobulin (b2m) and or Ca-125 levels were measured in 367 serum samples of 66 ovarian cancer patients. CA-125 was found to be a suitable tool, even in single use, to monitorise the clinical course of the disease with acceptable sensitivity (o. 89) and specificity (o. 94). B2m showed a sensitivity of the same level (o. 87) the specificity of it however proved to be low (o. 48). In consequence of its low specificity the b2m as a single marker is not applicable in ovarian cancer. However, the addition of b2m to CA-125 resulted in higher specificity and sensitivity, as b2m probably has a different spectrum and yielded correct results at that points of the follow-up where CA-125 produced pseudo-positive or pseudo-negative results. The combination of b2m and CA-125 tumormarkers seems to be a suitable tool for follow-up ovarian cancer patients under and after treatment.