6 tumor markers for diagnosing ovarian cancer

The detection of serum tumor marker levels is helpful for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, but the sensitivity and specificity of tumor markers cannot meet the needs of early and clear diagnosis. They are mostly used for diagnosis in the middle and late stages and for the evaluation of treatment and prognosis. There are 6 tumor markers related to ovarian cancer:

1. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

There are currently two methods for detecting carcinoembryonic antigen, namely radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry. The serum CEA level is closely related to the tissue type, clinical stage and grade, efficacy, and metastasis and recurrence of ovarian cancer after treatment.

2. Human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit (β-HCG)

Measuring the patient's serum β-HCG can help diagnose ovarian choriocarcinoma and germ cell tumors with choriocarcinoma components. The malignancy of the tumor can be determined based on the serum β-HCG level. It can also guide treatment plans to a certain extent, observe changes in the disease, and evaluate treatment effects.

3. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

Detection of serum lactate dehydrogenase and its isoenzyme spectrum in patients has certain diagnostic significance for ovarian cancer.

4. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

Alpha-fetoprotein, abbreviated as AFP, is the most specific indicator for detecting liver cancer. It is also of reference value for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, especially for ovarian endoderm sinus tumor, immature teratoma, etc. It is more sensitive when used to diagnose the recurrence or metastasis of ovarian cancer.

5. Cancer antigen 125 (CA125)

CA125 is a relatively sensitive tumor marker for detecting ovarian cancer. When the patient's serum CA125 is greater than 70U/ml, further laboratory and imaging examinations are required. In addition, CA125 can also be used to detect tumors such as fallopian tube adenocarcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.

6. Sialic acid (SA)

During the treatment of ovarian cancer, dynamic detection of SA levels helps to evaluate the treatment effect and change the treatment plan in a timely manner.