CA 125 in the serum and tissue of patients with gynecological disease.

Serum levels of CA 125 were determined in 239 patients suffering from gynecological malignancies. The upper limit for normal was 35 U/ml. Raised levels were found in 82% of patients with primary ovarian carcinoma, and in 29% of those with benign ovarian tumors. The values from patients with ovarian carcinomas in partial or complete remission were compared with those from patients with progressive disease. The former group had elevated levels in 19% compared to 89% in the latter group. Fifty-four percent of the values in progressive cervical carcinoma and 41% of the levels in progressive endometrial carcinoma were greater than 35 U/ml. High CA 125 levels were found in the cytosol of placenta, ovarian carcinoma, cervical carcinoma, and in ascitic fluid; correlation with serum levels was satisfactory. Even though CA 125 is of limited specificity for ovarian cancer, serum levels are important for follow up care and for the early detection of recurrences.