[Clinical applications of CA 125 carcinoma of the ovary]

Cancer of the ovary is one of the most common causes of death among gynecologic neoplasms. As it is relatively "protected" by the peritoneal cavity, there is great need of methods to improve early diagnosis and to assist with the management of patients with this disease. An important advance was observed with the application of monoclonal antibodies. After 1983, most papers have mentioned CA 125 as a biochemical marker of ovarian non-mucinous cancer. The purpose of the authors is to discuss the controversial aspects of this important marker and its role in the diagnosis and follow-up of ovarian carcinoma. All being considered, clinical applications, post-treatment follow-up, and flaws can be established.