Early serum CA125 response and outcome in epithelial ovarian cancer.

The prognostic value of serum CA125 levels before and after two courses of chemotherapy was assessed in 50 patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Patients with serum CA125 values below 35 U/ml after two courses were significantly more likely to achieve complete remission and had a significantly longer median survival. In multivariate analysis, serum CA125 levels after two courses were the most important independent prognostic factor: it was possible to predict survival status at 12 months with an overall accuracy of 93%. Serum CA125 can be used to evaluate quantitatively chemotherapeutic response and at an early stage classify patients into good and poor risk groups. Such an approach would facilitate the selection of appropriate therapy and could reduce toxicity.