Which tumor biomarker is utilized for ovarian cancer detection?

The tumor biomarker commonly utilized for the detection of ovarian cancer is CA-125. This glycoprotein is produced by ovarian cells and is often found at elevated levels in women with ovarian cancer. While it is important to note that increased CA-125 levels can also occur in other conditions, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, its significant association with ovarian cancer makes it a key marker in both diagnosis and monitoring treatment response.

CA-125 testing is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, such as imaging and clinical evaluation, to provide a more comprehensive assessment of a patient's condition. It serves as an important tool for monitoring disease progression or recurrence in women who have already been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Other biomarkers mentioned, such as AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), are associated with different types of cancer and are not specific to ovarian cancer. HER-2 is a protein that is overexpressed in some breast cancers and is not relevant to the detection of ovarian cancer. Thus, CA-125 remains the most relevant biomarker for this purpose.