The tumor marker CA 125 was initially thought to be specific for ovarian malignancies. Subsequently it was found to be raised in a variety of benign conditions, including pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, tuberculosis and cirrhosis of the liver. With respect to gynecological tumors, CA 125 may be elevated in benign ovarian cysts, tubo-ovarian abscess, endometriosis, hyperstimulation syndrome, ectopic pregnancy and fibroids. These results demonstrate that CA 125 is a marker of non-specific peritoneal conditions.
The data demonstrate expression of EGF-R, p185/HER-2/neu, p53, Mib-1 (Ki-67), Bax, Bcl-2, and ras in a subgroup of patients with ovarian borderline tumors. Further studies to evaluate their prognostic value are warranted.
The most important prognostic parameters for gynecologic malignancies are tumor stage, residual tumor after surgical treatment, histological subtype, and degree of malignancy (1-2). However, these factors present an incomplete picture of the tumor biology. Therefore, investigation of other prognostic factors is of special clinical relevance, particularly in view of the unexpectedly progressive course of the disease and frequent relapses in some cases.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.