Tumor Markers and Primary Mucinous Ovarian Cancer
A question we often hear is which of the tumor marker blood tests women diagnosed with primary mucinous ovarian cancer should be receiving. While most women have had a CA125, fewer are aware of or have had a CEA or a CA19-9.
As part of MOCC’s ongoing effort to provide answers and information, we asked Dr. Michael Frumovitz of the esteemed MD Anderson Cancer Center and Chairperson of the MOCC Advisory Committee, for further clarification and guidance.
Dr. Michael Frumovitz on Tumor Marker Tests for MOC
“In general, patients with primary mucinous ovarian cancer may experience elevation of 3 tumor markers: CA125, CEA, and CA19-9.
CA-125 is a tumor marker for epithelial ovarian cancers and is most frequently elevated in women with metastatic serous ovarian cancer. This marker can also be elevated in patients with metastatic mucinous ovarian cancer.
CEA, or carcinoembryonic antigen, is a tumor marker that is most often used in patients with colon cancer. As primary mucinous ovarian cancer often mimics colon cancer, this marker may be elevated in some patients with primary mucinous ovarian cancer. Some physicians feel that this marker is more specific and useful then CA–125 in following patients with primary mucinous ovarian cancer.
The final marker, CA19–9 is most frequently used in patients with cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract including small bowel and pancreas. This is another marker that may be elevated in patients with primary mucinous ovarian cancer.
Some patients have only 1 marker elevated, some patients may have all 3 markers elevated, and in other patients, there may be no elevation in any of the 3 markers.
We typically draw all 3 markers but if only 1 of the 3 is elevated at diagnosis, that is typically the marker that we follow most carefully as it is likely the one that will best reflect disease status. We never base any treatment or alter any treatment on changes in the markers alone as we feel strongly that confirmation with imaging is the most objective way to follow patients for response to therapies.”
Have a question related to mucinous ovarian cancer you would like answered?
We will do our best to help! Email us at: [email protected]
