What is the significance of the CA125 marker?

CA125 is a protein that is often elevated in the blood of women with certain types of cancer, most notably ovarian cancer. Its primary significance lies in its use as a tumor marker that can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer. A high level of CA125 may suggest the presence of ovarian cancer, especially in women who have symptoms or risk factors associated with the disease.

In clinical practice, CA125 can be used not only to help diagnose ovarian cancer but also to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence in patients who have already been diagnosed. While it is important to note that elevated CA125 levels can also occur in benign conditions and other malignancies, its association with ovarian cancer makes it a particularly useful marker in that context.

Other tumor markers mentioned in the choices are specific to different cancers and have different roles, but CA125 is distinctly recognized for its relevance to ovarian cancer assessment.