[Comparative study of 3 markers in ovarian cancer: CA 125, CA 19,9 and CEA]

CA 125 is today the best tumour marker to follow up the evolution of epithelial cancers of the ovary where it is elevated in about 80% of cases (as compared with a positive finding in only 20% for CEA and CA 19,9): it is no use as a screening test, it does reflect the quality of the first debulking operation, it makes it possible to follow the clinical evolution of the disease and thus to modify the adjuvant treatment, it helps to indicate whether a second look operation should be carried out; but it does not dispense altogether with the second look operation because even when CA 125 returns to normal the disease is sometimes still not eradicated, finally, it gives an opportunity to look early for any recurrences.