Improved specificity of the CA 125 enzyme immunoassay for ovarian carcinomas by use of the ratio of CA 125 to carcinoembryonic antigen.

1988 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 1853-1857 ◽  
Author(s):  
J T Wu ◽  
T Miya ◽  
J A Knight ◽  
D P Knight

Abstract We found that ovarian cyst fluids contained carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9 and CA 125 tumor markers. However, only the ratio of CA 125 to CEA concentrations provided sufficient specificity to differentiate serous from mucinous cysts. For CEA measurement, our results suggested the use of a monoclonal CEA kit. When CEA was determined with a Hybritech monoclonal CEA kit, all ratios in mucinous ovarian cysts were less than 10 and most of the ratios were greater than 1000 in serous ovarian cysts. We also found that the ratio of CA 125 to CEA in serum could be used to differentiate ovarian from nonovarian malignant diseases when both sera contain increased CA 125 concentrations. The nonovarian malignancies consisted of colorectal, breast, lung, and pancreatic carcinomas. The mean ratio for serum from patients with nonovarian cancers was 0.94 (n = 19); for ovarian-cancer patients (n = 45), 916. Therefore, determining this ratio will greatly improve the specificity of the CA 125 test for ovarian cancer.

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (04) ◽  
pp. 276-280
Author(s):  
Devesh Sharma ◽  
Anjali Vinocha

Abstract Objectives It is not clearly known whether some benign (simple) ovarian cysts can convert into cancerous cysts. Size of cyst and wall abnormalities do predict the potentiality of malignancy. Not many studies have been done to explore the malignant potential of large-sized (> 5 cm) unilocular ovarian cysts without wall abnormalities. This study evaluated the correlation between ultrasonographic size of benign ovarian cysts and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125) levels. Methodology Sixty (60) premenopausal women were recruited for the study preoperatively, based on transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) findings present in the case record sheet received along with the CA-125 sample in the biochemistry laboratories. Those cases with elevated CA-125 levels were selected, where patients had unilocular ovarian cysts without wall abnormalities. CA-125 was done using ECLIA methodology (Cobas e411, Germany). Statistical correlation was calculated between the ovarian cyst size and CA-125 levels using Spearman’s Rho coefficient. Results Mean age group of subjects were 29.7 ± 7.3 years and mean value of CA-125 (normal < 35 IU/mL) was found to be increased: 118.0 ± 147.1 IU/mL so was the mean diameter of cysts (cut off ≤ 5 cm): 48.6 ± 59.8 cm. No correlation was found between CA-125 levels and volume of ovarian cyst (r = 0.005, p = 0.680) for all subjects. Conclusions The lack of correlation between size of ovarian cysts and CA-125 levels provides a hint that the ovarian cyst epithelium does not directly express CA-125 and it may come from sites like the fallopian tube. Thus, raised level of CA-125 in benign ovarian cyst should be followed-up more closely, demanding assessment of fallopian tubes for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Also, algorithms can be explored to include size of ovarian cyst and CA 125 levels to predict ovarian cancer.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5581-5581
Author(s):  
Emil Lou ◽  
Rachel Isaksson Vogel ◽  
Spencer Hoostal ◽  
Aaron Grad ◽  
Minnu Monu ◽  
...  

5581 Background: Platinum chemotherapy resistance occurs in approximately 25% of patients with ovarian carcinoma and represents a major barrier to effective care of this patient population. To date there are no effective nor validate predictive biomarkers of chemoresistance of ovarian carcinomas. We performed a prospective trial designed to enroll patients with ovarian masses suspicious for ovarian cancer, with the goal of identifying tumor-based predictive biomarkers of platinum resistance. Methods: 60 women were enrolled on the study. Tumor specimens were collected from 49 of these women with newly diagnosed pelvic masses, of which 29 were found to have histopathologically proven primary ovarian carcinoma. Of these primary malignant cases, 24 had specimens accessible for assessment of tumor-stroma proportion and data available regarding chemosensitive vs chemoresistance status via review of the medical record using a UMN IRB-approved protocol. Tumor slices were stained with H&E and also for antibodies against two microRNAs (29b and 199a) differentially expressed in ovarian cancer cell lines. Tumor-stroma proportions were assessed by two experienced pathologists blinded to chemoresistance status, with <50% stroma scored as low proportion, >50% scored as high proportion. Results: The average age of assessed patients with malignant tumors was 62. 87.5% had high-grade epithelial carcinomas. Baseline median CA-125 was 416 (range 32-2782). 80% of ovarian cancer patients with chemoresistance had tumor stroma proportions >50%; 73.7% of cancer patients with chemosensitive tumors had proportions <50% (p-value: 0.047). Expression of miR29b or 199a did not significantly correlate with chemoresistance. Conclusions: Tumor-stroma proportion is a useful predictive biomarker of platinum chemoresistance. If validated in larger datasets, it would be a relatively inexpensive and helpful tool for tailoring treatment strategies and clinical decision-making in women with ovarian cancer.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (17) ◽  
pp. 5342-5350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Colomban ◽  
Michel Tod ◽  
Alexandra Leary ◽  
Isabelle Ray-Coquard ◽  
Alain Lortholary ◽  
...  

Blood ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 424-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
DP Barton ◽  
DK Blanchard ◽  
B Michelini-Norris ◽  
SV Nicosia ◽  
D Cavanagh ◽  
...  

Abstract This study was undertaken to determine if advanced epithelial ovarian cancer was associated with increased serum and ascitic levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2R alpha). Serum and ascitic fluid samples from 23 ovarian cancer patients were analyzed for sIL-2R alpha using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared with the serum and peritoneal levels in 18 normal females. The samples were analyzed for CA-125 levels using a radioimmunoassay and the total protein was also measured. Normal individuals had low serum levels of sIL-2R alpha (367.5 +/- 44.6 U/mL), with similar levels of sIL-2R alpha in the normal peritoneal fluid (438.6 +/- 48.8 U/mL). In contrast, the serum and ascitic fluid levels in ovarian cancer patients were significantly higher (746.7 +/- 82.9 U/mL, P = .0006; 2,656.7 +/- 373.7 U/mL, P = .00002, respectively). The results for sIL-2R alpha were also significant when the levels were expressed per milligram of total protein. More importantly, in almost every ovarian cancer patient the ascitic sIL-2R alpha level far exceeded the serum level, a pattern also observed for CA-125. There was no correlation between the serum and ascitic sIL-2R alpha levels, or between the serum and ascitic CA-125 levels. Although the serum levels of sIL-2R alpha and CA-125 were elevated in the same patient, overall there was no correlation between the serum sIL-2R alpha and serum CA-125 levels, either when the levels were expressed in absolute units or per milligram of total protein. Similarly, there was no correlation between sIL-2R alpha and CA-125 levels in individual ascitic samples. While CA-125 levels may reflect an independent index of tumor burden, these results suggest that selective accumulation of sIL-2R alpha in the ascites may be one of the factors associated with the known nonresponsiveness of the infiltrating lymphocytes against ovarian carcinoma cells.


1996 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 2546-2551 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Bajetta ◽  
A Di Leo ◽  
L Biganzoli ◽  
L Mariani ◽  
F Cappuzzo ◽  
...  

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of vinorelbine (VNLB) in a population of advanced ovarian cancer patients, with particular attention to defining its role in platinum-resistant disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-three patients were recruited and treated with VNLB 25 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) weekly. the median age was 53 years, performance status 0 to 2, and number of previous chemotherapy regimens two (range, one to five). Twenty-four patients were platinum-resistant; the remaining nine either were platinum-sensitive (four cases) or had undetermined sensitivity (five cases). RESULTS The mean delivered dose-intensity of VNLB was 67% of the planned level, because 60% of the cycles were delayed due to neutropenia or anemia. Four partial responses (PRs) and one complete response (CR) were observed, for an overall response rate of 15% (95% exact confidence interval, 5.1% to 31.9%). All the responses occurred in the subgroup of 24 platinum-resistant cases, in whom the response rate was 21% (95% exact confidence interval, 7.1% to 42.1%). Seven patients became stabilized on VNLB, and 27% of the cases showed a reduction in serum cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) levels. G3/G4 side effects consisted of neutropenia, anemia, and worsening of preexisting peripheral neuropathy. No treatment-related deaths occurred. CONCLUSION VNLB led to a 21% response rate in the population of heavily pretreated and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients. Further studies of VNLB alone or in combination with taxanes are warranted in patients with less pretreatment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Qing Zhou ◽  
Qiongzi Qiu ◽  
Ling Hou ◽  
Mengting Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Emerging evidence has shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play essential roles in cancer biology and are potential biomarkers and targets for cancer therapy. However, the expression and function of circRNAs in ovarian carcinogenesis and its progression remain elusive. Methods RNA sequencing was performed to reveal circRNA expression profiles in ovarian cancerous and normal tissues. Single-molecule RNA in-situ hybridization was used to quantify circPLEKHM3 expression in tumor tissues. Cell-based in-vitro and in-vivo assays were subsequently conducted to support the clinical findings. Results CircPLEKHM3 was identified as one of the most significantly down-regulated circRNAs in ovarian cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. Its expression was further decreased in peritoneal metastatic ovarian carcinomas compared to primary ovarian carcinomas. Patients with lower circPLEKHM3 tend to have a worse prognosis. Functionally, circPLEKHM3 overexpression inhibited cell growth, migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition, whereas its knockdown exerted an opposite role. Further analyses showed that circPLEKHM3 sponged miR-9 to regulate the endogenous expression of BRCA1, DNAJB6 and KLF4, and consequently inactivate AKT1 signaling. In addition, AKT inhibitor MK-2206 could block the tumor-promoting effect of circPLEKHM3 depletion, and potentiate Taxol-induced growth inhibition of ovarian cancer cells. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that circPLEKHM3 functions as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer cells by targeting the miR-9/BRCA1/DNAJB6/KLF4/AKT1 axis and may be used as a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target in ovarian cancer patients. The new strategy for treating ovarian cancer by a combination therapy of Taxol with MK-2206 is worth further investigation, especially in ovarian cancer patients with loss of circPLEKHM3 expression.


1998 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Krämer ◽  
M. Leeker ◽  
W. Jäger

Gonadotropins can stimulate ovarian cancer growth in cell cultures. Corresponding LH/hCG receptors have been demonstrated in ovarian cancer. However, reduction of elevated serum gonadotropins by GnRH analogs in ovarian cancer patients did not lead to growth restriction, which means that serum levels of gonadotropins may not play the most important role in ovarian cancer. We therefore analyzed the LH and FSH concentrations in cyst fluids of ovarian cancer. Patients with preoperatively diagnosed cystic ovarian tumors were eligible for the study. Serum samples of the patients were obtained during surgery, while the fluids within the cysts were aspirated after surgical removal of the tumor. FSH and LH levels in serum and cyst fluids were measured using single antibody EIA (Boehringer Mannheim GmbH, Germany). Cyst fluids and sera of 108 patients were evaluated. While there were no significant differences in the FSH and LH serum concentrations, highly significant differences in the FSH and LH levels in cyst fluids were found. Only cancer cysts contained FSH and LH, while the corresponding concentrations in benign cysts were always below the measuring range of the assays. This clear division between high gonadotropin levels in cysts of serous ovarian cancer and low or absent concentrations in benign ovarian tumors further supports the hypothesis that FSH and LH may play a role in ovarian cancer; however, explanations for this surprising finding are still lacking.


Pathology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 487-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Estrid V.S. Høgdall ◽  
Lise Christensen ◽  
Susanne K. Kjaer ◽  
Jan Blaakaer ◽  
Ib Jarle Christensen ◽  
...  

2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 183-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Rudlowski ◽  
A.-K. Pickart ◽  
C. Fuhljahn ◽  
T. Friepoertner ◽  
B. Schlehe ◽  
...  

The purpose of the study was to determine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations in ascites from ovarian cancer and to correlate these data with VEGF expression in ovarian tumors, serum VEGF concentrations, and clinicopathologic characteristics. Ascites, serum, and tumor tissue from 65 ovarian carcinomas and eight borderline tumors were collected. VEGF concentration in peritoneal fluids and sera was determined using enzyme immunoassay. VEGF tumor expression was evaluated immunohistochemically. Significantly higher VEGF concentrations were found in ascites from malignant tumors (median, 2575 pg mL−1) compared with borderline tumors (median 181.9 pg mL−1) and benign peritoneal fluid (184.5 pg mL−1). Both VEGF ascites concentration and tumor expression correlated with advanced tumor stages and ascites volume. Elevated VEGF ascites levels were negatively correlated to patient survival. No differences between VEGF serum levels could be observed between ovarian cancer patients and patients with benign cysts. This study showed for the first time the clinical significance of elevated VEGF ascites level in ovarian carcinomas. VEGF is expressed by ovarian tumor cells and locally released in the malignant peritoneal fluid but is not increased in the serum of preoperative ovarian cancer patients. The enhanced VEGF level support novel therapeutic perspectives by VEGF inhibition.


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