Blood Tests

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance advocates that if you suspect you have ovarian cancer, ask about the CA 125 test.

Proteomics

The most promising prospect for the detection of cancer in it's erliset stages comes from the emerging field of clinical proteomics-the study of patterns of proteins in human blood or other tissue.

For additional information regarding this test please see our Information Library and click on the link to "Ovarian Cancer National Alliance."

CA125 Test

The CA 125 test has been available since 1983 when researchers at Harvard University discovered that levels of this protein were elevated in 80% of women with epithelial ovarian cancer.

• CA 125 levels are elevated in the majority of women with Stage 3 and Stage 4 ovarian cancer.
  
  
• Unfortunately, this test is less reliable in detecting early stage ovarian cancer, as CA 125 is only elevated 40- to 50% of the time in women with Stage 1 disease. In addition, CA 125 is also elevated as a result of a number of benign conditions such as endometriosis.
  
  
• A normal level of CA 125 is generally under 35u/ml, depending on the test used.
  The problem with the CA 125 test is that there are too many false positives for use as a general screening tool. Many women can have an elevated result but do not have ovarian cancer.

Some factors which cause CA 125 levels to be elevated:

• Endometriosis
• Pelvic Inflammatory disease
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine adenomyosis
  
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Benign ovarian tumors
• Pancreatitis
  
• Peritonitis
  
• Renal failure
  
• Heart failure
  
• First trimester pregnancy
  
• Menstruation
  
• Liver disease
  Source Gildas' Disease - Steven Piver MD

False negatives are another big concern with this test. Many women, particularly those with Stage 1 or Stage 2 ovarian cancer, do not have an elevated result. This means that the CA 125 is not useful as a general screening tool to catch cancers at earlier and more curable stages.

LPA Test

LPA or lysophosphatidic acid is a substance that stimulates the growth of ovarian tumors. Preliminary studies have found that levels of LPA in blood plasma are elevated in about 90% of women with early ovarian cancer. There are clinical trials going on presently to determine the effectiveness of LPA in detecting ovarian cancer.

A blood test such as CA 125 should not be used to diagnose ovarian cancer. A proper diagnosis of ovarian cancer involves interpreting the results of the CA 125 test in conjunction with a number of other examinations including pelvic exam and ultrasound or CAT scan. At this time, surgery is the only definitive way to rule out ovarian cancer