Understanding CA-125
What is CA-125?
CA-125 is a protein that may be found in high amounts in the blood of patients with ovarian cancer. Your doctor will test your CA-125 level after treatment.
How is the CA-125 test used?
CA-125 testing is just one of several tests your doctor will perform to evaluate how you are responding to treatment. In addition to regular CA-125 testing, your doctor uses information from ultrasounds, imaging studies, x-rays, pelvic examinations, and biopsy specimens to evaluate therapy effectiveness.
What does a rise in CA-125 mean?
A rise in CA-125 after a single test is not uncommon and does not necessarily mean that your treatment isn’t working. Clinical studies in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer show that the median time to response with DOXIL® treatment was 4 months.
In addition, CA-125 levels can spike for many reasons other than cancer. Some women naturally have high levels of CA-125, and some conditions, such as pregnancy, menstruation, and pelvic inflammatory disease, are known to raise CA-125 levels.
Of course, you should always discuss your concerns with your doctor.
