Preoperative determination of CASA (Cancer Associated Serum Antigen) and CA-125 for the discrimination between benign and malignant pelvic tumor mass: a prospective study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

CA-125 is the most important tumor marker in epithelial ovarian cancer. Due to its low specificity, a combination with CASA may improve the clinical discrimination between benign and malignant adnexal masses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In a prospective study CA-125 and CASA were analyzed in blood specimens of 153 patients, including 29 ovarian cancer.

RESULTS:

The median levels of both markers were significantly higher in ovarian cancer than in benign diseases. The sensitivity of CA-125 was 90%, while the specificity was 79%. PPV and NPV were 50% and 97%. In comparison, the sensitivity of CASA was lower (38%), while the specificity was slightly higher (86%). PPV and NPV were 39% and 86%. When both markers were used together, the specificity could be increased to 96% but the sensitivity remained at only 38%. The PPV and NPV was 69% and 87%.

CONCLUSION:

The combination of CA-125 and CASA can improve the detection of patients with suspected ovarian cancer.

• Authors: Jalid Sehouli, Zera Akdogan, Thomas Heinze, Dominique Könsgen, Dirk Stengel, Alexander Mustea, Werner Lichtenegger
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) 2003 Mar-Apr Vol. 23 Issue 2A Pg. 1115-8 ISSN: 0250-7005 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 12820357 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Neoplasm
• Biomarkers, Tumor
• CA-125 Antigen
• CASA antigen

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antigens, Neoplasm (blood)
• Biomarkers, Tumor (blood)
• CA-125 Antigen (blood)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Genital Diseases, Female (blood, surgery)
• Genital Neoplasms, Female (blood, surgery)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Ovarian Neoplasms (surgery)
• Pelvic Neoplasms (blood, surgery)
• Postoperative Period
• Prospective Studies