Understanding CA 125 Levels
I finally got time to look through some of the materials I picked up at the conference in San Diego, and I am so happy I picked up the one titled "Understanding CA 125 Levels." I know we're all concerned about our CA 125, so I want to share an address and phone number where I think you can request a copy of this document.
It is published by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation whose address is 230 W. Monroe, Suite 2528, Chicago, IL 60606. The website is infor@thegcf.org and www.wcn.org. The hotline number is 800444-4441.
Just a few bits of info from the booklet: "Based on early experience with immunetherapy for cancer, investigators started searching for something unique on the surfaces of ovarian cancer cells that could be used to trigger recognition of tumor cells by the immune systerm. After 125 attempts, an antibody was found that seemed to do the trick. The antibody was termed OC-125 (for the 125th antibody tested against ovarian cancer) and recognized a tumor cell surface signal termed CA 125. Unfortunately, attempts to use this antibody in treatment were not successful" However, new studies were launched to see if CA 125 might be useful as a test to diagnose and follow ovarian cancer patients.
Today, one of its uses is to monitor treatment. A portion of the pamphlet discusses that the most common non-platinum and non-taxane novel agents such as Doxil and Hycamtin which are used in recurrent disease treament require what the pamphlet writer referred to as thoughtful interpretation of CA 125 levels since in a signicant number of patients who ultimately respond positively to those drugs, they can have significants rises in CA 125 values through several cycles and still have a favorable treatment outcome.
After reading the pamphlet, I have a little bit better understanding of the CA 125, and if you can get a copy, I think you would find it very informative and helpful. Diane
It is published by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation whose address is 230 W. Monroe, Suite 2528, Chicago, IL 60606. The website is infor@thegcf.org and www.wcn.org. The hotline number is 800444-4441.
Just a few bits of info from the booklet: "Based on early experience with immunetherapy for cancer, investigators started searching for something unique on the surfaces of ovarian cancer cells that could be used to trigger recognition of tumor cells by the immune systerm. After 125 attempts, an antibody was found that seemed to do the trick. The antibody was termed OC-125 (for the 125th antibody tested against ovarian cancer) and recognized a tumor cell surface signal termed CA 125. Unfortunately, attempts to use this antibody in treatment were not successful" However, new studies were launched to see if CA 125 might be useful as a test to diagnose and follow ovarian cancer patients.
Today, one of its uses is to monitor treatment. A portion of the pamphlet discusses that the most common non-platinum and non-taxane novel agents such as Doxil and Hycamtin which are used in recurrent disease treament require what the pamphlet writer referred to as thoughtful interpretation of CA 125 levels since in a signicant number of patients who ultimately respond positively to those drugs, they can have significants rises in CA 125 values through several cycles and still have a favorable treatment outcome.
After reading the pamphlet, I have a little bit better understanding of the CA 125, and if you can get a copy, I think you would find it very informative and helpful. Diane
Replies
thanks,Diane- I know it made me feel better-joanne xxx
Thanks for that info Diane, I was thinking Joanne would be interesed in that post seeing she\'s on Doxil. I\'m seeing onco on Monday and they might put me on Doxil so this information is well timed for me. Carolxxx
My CA 125 is rising again and my scans are looking better. I\'ve got a call into the nurse asking \"why\". Both my agents are non-platinum and non-taxol. I\'ve been to the course twice - the last time last August and encourage anyone who can, go! Thank you.
thank you my name is Linda i had oc debulking 6 month chemo belly wash and 1 yr regiment with chemo i have been in remission for 3 an a half yrs at my last 6 month checkup my ca125 level was elevated im usually 10 then been 7 for awhile now it has jumped from 7 t0 25 im very nervous about these number the ca125 has tripled very concerned can anyone give me advice
Hi Linda, your email doesn\'t indicate when you had your last checkup. What did your doctor say about the increase in the CA 125 at that time? When will you be monitored again? Many things can cause the CA 125 to vary, but you might want to contact your doctor again to see if you should receive another test. Also, are you feeling any symptoms that you think you should be concerned about? Keep us posted as we do care. Diane
i just went to doctor on jan 20 my ca125 went from 7 to 25 i went today to get another blood test and then i see doctor again march 18 and before that appointment i get another blood test two weeks before i see him thanks for responding so quickly
also Diane i am having no symstems but i had no symtoms at the beginning i had gallbladder symtoms thats when they found the ovc when they took my gallbladder Im just scared
doctor didnt say much just see you in 2 months and get blood test in 2 wks and another one two weeks before your two month appt vaginal exam was normal doc said