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.
Visit the Tumor Markers page of the Diagnostic Tests module for more information.
Updated: June 8, 2018
Suggested Citation
SEER Training Modules: Tumor Markers. U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. Cited 19 December 2025. Available from: https://training.seer.cancer.gov.