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Tumor Markers
Tumor markers can be diagnostic, predictive, and/or prognostic.
- Diagnostic: Aid in making diagnosis
- Predictive: Associated with response to treatment
- Prognostic: Associated with disease outcome (e.g., overall survival)
Most ovarian cancer markers are prognostic and are used to monitor for recurrence.
| Ovarian Tumor Type | Marker | Marker Type | Significance | Clinical Cutpoints* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epithelial tumors | CA-125 | Prognostic Circulating | Correlates w/ stage & tumor burden | High levels indicate ovarian tumor |
| HE4 | Prognostic Circulating | Correlates w/ stage & tumor burden | Increases by ≥25% associated with relapse/progression Decreases ≥25% indicate therapeutic response |
|
| Germ cell tumors | Alpha-fetoprotein (α-FP) | Diagnostic & Prognostic Circulating | Nonspecific marker – also seen in liver cancer | Vary by age & sex |
| Human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) | Diagnostic & Prognostic Circulating | Rules in tumor Does not rule out tumor | >0 ng/mL |
*Note: Clinical cutpoints and their meaningfulness vary by testing laboratory and are there fore not absolutes.
Click here to view the Tumor Markers page of the Diagnostic Tests module for more information.
Updated: June 8, 2018