Accuracy Of Ca-125

Could some of you veterans of ovarian cancer enlighten me about how accurate the CA-125 is? Will factors other than the return of cancer make the count go up? I had stage 3C ovarian diagnosed in July '02; had surgery, 6 rounds of chemo, then in the spring/summer of '03, the count started to go up. CT scan in August '03 did not show any cancer activity, though the count was in the high 20's. It rose slowly over the next few months to 37 in November; latest one just done on 1/20/04 is at 70. Meanwhile,in the past several months I have been experiencing multiple painful lipomas growing in various parts of the body at a rapid rate & will be checking them out with a specialist. I want to convince my cancer Dr. to do a PET scan. Is this appropriate? Thanks, Andrea

I was diagnosed with stage 4 in Jan 04. I had 6 rounds of carbo & taxol. My count was at 1859 when I was diagnosed and went to 367 after surgery. When I was done with chemo, it went down to 1.8. I went to my 3 month check up and it had already started climbing. It was up to 187. I had a CT scan done. It did not show anything except for a small amount of fluid around the lungs. Drs. called it microscopic. I had second opinion done. They too did a CT scan and called it microscopic so wanted to start chemo right away so I was not so sick that I could not handle the chemo. I have had 3 treatments so far of carbo & taxotere and my CA125 is now down to 21.8. Go in for another treatment on Thursday. Have never had a PET done and am not sure I would ever need one. CT show up what it needs to and all 3 Drs. that I have say it is microscopic. Will have another CT scan done before next treatment.

I had surgery for ovarian cancer in Nov of '03 had 6 treatments and my CA-125 has been good but I am not depending on that. I recently have felt like a naughing feeling of pain in the area that I had surgery and my on my pubic bone. Have you experienced anything like this? Marlane

Dear Andrea: I just read your message, and am wondering how you are doing? I too had ovarian cancer Stage IIIC, operated on one year ago today! Two weeks ago, had a CA125 and it was 53.5... so I am returning to my GYN oncologist January 6th. I am getting ready for another round of chemo, and love to talk to others with similar problem. Also, I am seriously considering going to CTCA, despite the fact I am suppose to have the best GYN oncologist on the East Coast. Wishing you the best. Betsy

Dear Marlane: Hope you are doing well. Just read your message. My CA125 is at 53.5 (Stage IIIC, diagnosed one year ago today--had 8 rounds of chemo)> Getting ready for another round I think, visiting my doctor January 6th. Thinking of going to CTCA, despite the fact my GYN oncologist is supposed to be the best on the East Coast. Looking forward to hearing from you. Best always!

Dear Shel: Hope you are doing well. Just read your message. I am such a scarety-cat. Anyway had surgery, chemo for Stage IIIC ovarian CA all within the last year. Would like to correspond with you--Hope you are well. Betsy

Andres,I had the same cancer as you experienced. My CA 125 never had a high count even when I had cancer. So it does not work for me. I had a friend who wanted and did get a PET scan and from what she said I think yes you should push for it. And ask him or her why they did not suggest it. I am told that a CT scan only shows masses and PET scan is much more effective. That is all I know. Let me know how you do please. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Marlane

Andrea have you had a PET scan as yet? I was just checking the website and wanted to touch base with you.
Marlane

Hello...
I just read your message on CA125 not having worked for you and I wondered: What sort of values are you referring to here? (From what I understand, in your case there were false negatives...?) Thank you.

CA125 can have a false negative result meaning do not use this test for determination of cancer. It is just one of many test you should have. The CT and Pet Scans are what you need as a follow up to your treatments. Please read this site www.cancercompass.com/cancer-news/1,9400,00.htm With the combination of the CT/Pet Scan you will have the best reading available.