Tumor markers in epithelial ovarian cancer. Clinical applications

The role of tumor markers in the management of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer is expanding rapidly. Initially using heteroantisera and, most recently, monoclonal antibody-dependent assays, clinicians are equipped with new modalities that may be useful in evaluating disease status, monitoring the efficacy of therapy, diagnosing early recurrence, and screening patients for ovarian cancer. A knowledge of the efficacy of the most widely tested markers is important if they are to be used judiciously and in appropriate settings.