Abstract

Cancer antigen 125 (also known as carbohydrate antigen 125 or CA 125) is an antigen first identified by Bast et al. Although much research has been done to understand the molecular structure of CA 125, its function remains a source of much speculation. At present, CA 125 is most commonly used in the diagnosis of epithelial non-mucinous ovarian cancers, and in monitoring their response to treatment. Following surgical resection, CA 125 levels are expected to half within 10 days and it is therefore a useful tool for assessing response to treatment as well. We present a case of incidental finding of rasied CA125, followed by the literature review to discuss a better understanding of the factors that lead to CA 125 production, its mechanisms of action, and the nature and functions of its subspecies may help in improving its use as a standalone diagnostic tool.

Highlights

  • Cancer antigen 125 ( known as carbohydrate antigen 125 or CA 125) is an antigen belonging to a family of high-molecularweight O-glycosylated proteins known as mucins

  • Cancer antigen 125 is an antigen belonging to a family of high-molecularweight O-glycosylated proteins known as mucins

  • We present a case of incidental finding of rasied CA125, followed by the literature review to discuss a better understanding of the factors that lead to CA 125 production, its mechanisms of action, and the nature and functions of its subspecies may help in improving its use as a standalone diagnostic tool

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Summary

Introduction

Cancer antigen 125 ( known as carbohydrate antigen 125 or CA 125) is an antigen belonging to a family of high-molecularweight O-glycosylated proteins known as mucins. Serum CA 125 levels have been shown to rise significantly above the normal range in several malignant conditions. One possible differentiating factor is that levels in malignancy tend to progressively rise with time, whereas in benign conditions they display a more stable pattern, which may fluctuate with disease severity [11].

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