Which biomarker is noted for being elevated in cases of ovarian cancer?

CA125 is considered a key biomarker for ovarian cancer, as it is often found at elevated levels in women diagnosed with this type of cancer. This glycoprotein is produced by a variety of tissues and is notably associated with ovarian epithelium. In clinical practice, testing for CA125 levels is commonly utilized to assist in diagnosing ovarian cancer, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and checking for recurrence after treatment.

Elevated CA125 levels can be seen not only in ovarian cancer but also in other conditions, including endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. However, its specificity and sensitivity make it particularly valuable in the context of ovarian malignancies, where it serves as an important tool for oncologists when assessing a patient who presents with symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer, such as abdominal bloating or pelvic pain.

In contrast, the other biomarkers like CA19-9 and CA15-3 are more commonly associated with gastrointestinal cancers and breast cancer, respectively, while AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) is primarily used as a marker in liver cancer and germ cell tumors. Thus, CA125 stands out specifically for its relevance to ovarian cancer, making it the correct choice in this context.