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.
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.