CLINICAL TUMOR-MARKERS IN OVARIAN-CANCER

Within past few years, the measurement of serological, histochemical a nd molecular genetic markers has had an increasing influence on clinic al decisions about initial treatment and follow-up. This review presen ts data concerning the most studied and interesting markers in ovarian cancer. CA 125, CA 19.9, TATI, CASA, CEA, TPA, TPS and CYFRA21-1 are now the most widely used serological tumour markers for management of ovarian cancer patients. Ras oncogenes, C-erb2 proto-oncogene, p53 sup pressor gene and Bcl-2 oncogene are examples of currently used molecul ar genetic markers. As histochemical markers-proliferation markers, fl ow cytometric analysis, thymidine labelling index, Ki-67 nuclear antig en or differentiation markers are nowadays the ones most often determi ned. Some of these markers might be useful adjuncts for monitoring res ponse to therapy, including early detection of tumour reactivation to allow curative therapy and rapid detection of treatment failure. The s tudy of these markers may also lead to a better understanding of the b iological characteristics of ovarian cancer. Numerous tumour markers c haracterized in this paper have been recognized as promising prognosti c factors. The information derived from studies of these markers also represents the most promising avenue towards new treatment strategies; nevertheless to validate these factors, prospective studies of a larg e patient population are needed. (C) 1998 Rapid Science Ltd.