[CA 125 in diagnosis and prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer]

In 59 women with epithelial ovarian cancer serum CA 125 was determined and they were then followed for 3 years. In those with active disease, mean serum CA 125 (289 units/ml) and positivity rate (85%) were significantly higher than in those without evidence of disease (44 units/ml and 17%, p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Actuarial 3-year survival curves were calculated according to CA 125 serum level. 91% of those with CA 125 lower than 35 units/ml survived 3 years, as compared to 40% of those with CA 125 levels higher than 35 units/ml (p < 0.01). In ovarian cancer CA 125 serum level correlates with the state of the disease and can be used in the prediction of 3-year survival.