Intermediate
Technical
IVT
CA-125
Also written as: CA-125 — Cancer Antigen 125
A protein biomarker used to monitor ovarian cancer, elevated levels may indicate disease presence or recurrence.
Full Definition
CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is a glycoprotein that serves as a tumor marker primarily associated with epithelial ovarian cancer. While elevated levels can indicate malignancy, CA-125 is not specific to ovarian cancer and can be elevated in other conditions including endometriosis, liver disease, and other malignancies. It is most useful for monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence in patients with known ovarian cancer rather than as a primary screening tool.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as CA-125, not CA125 or CA 125.
In Context
- "The patient's CA-125 level decreased from 450 U/mL to 15 U/mL following chemotherapy." — Laboratory report
- "Rising CA-125 levels prompted further imaging to evaluate for disease recurrence." — Clinical progress note
Also known as
Cancer Antigen 125
carbohydrate antigen 125
Don't confuse with
CA 19-9
CEA
CA 27.29