Tumor Markers for Ovarian Cancer

What are tumor markers?

Tumor markers, also called biomarkers, are substances or proteins that are made by a tumor or by cells in the body responding to a tumor.

Why are tumor marker tests done?

Tumor markers  can be used as part of a cancer diagnosis. They are measured using a blood test. Having a high level of a tumor marker may mean that you have cancer, but by itself, a high tumor marker level is not enough to make a diagnosis. There are non-cancerous (benign) conditions that can cause tumor markers to be higher than normal.

Tumor markers, along with other tests (scans, biopsies, etc.), are used to get information about the tumor that can be used for treatment planning and the treatment process. Such as:

• Diagnose the cancer.
• Predict the outcome after diagnosis.
• Decide which type of treatment(s) will work best.
• See how well the treatment is working.
• Predict how likely it is for the cancer to return after treatment.

What do the tumor marker levels show?

A decrease in a tumor marker may mean that the treatment is working well. If there is no change or the tumor marker level goes up, this may mean that the treatment is not working or that the cancer has returned. These results must be looked at along with radiology tests, physical exams, and the symptoms you are having.

What are the tumor markers used in ovarian cancer?

There are many ovarian tumor marker tests, each test looks for a different kind of biomarker. Not everyone with ovarian cancer will have a high tumor marker level. Some of the biomarkers are:

CA-125 (Cancer antigen 125)

• The ovarian cancer tumor marker test that is most often used. It helps diagnose, see how well treatment is working, and check if the cancer has returned after treatment.

HE4 (Human epididymis protein 4)

• More sensitive than CA125. Used to measure response to treatment and check for recurrence. HE4 tumor markers are common with endometrioid ovarian cancer and are linked to endometriosis and Lynch syndrome.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and Beta-hCG (Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

• Used in ovarian germ cell tumors and for cancer staging, predicting outcomes after diagnosis, and seeing how well your treatment worked.

Inhibin A & B

• A hormone that can be made by ovarian tissue and may be high in certain types of ovarian cancer (mucinous epithelial carcinoma, granulosa cell tumors). Can be used to see how well your treatment worked and check for the cancer returning after treatment.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen)

• Can be higher in ovarian tumors and may be used to see how well your treatment worked.

If you have questions about your diagnosis and tumor markers, make sure to talk to your provider.