ARE CASA AND CA125 CONCENTRATIONS IN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD SOURCED FROM PERITONEAL-FLUID IN WOMEN WITH PELVIC MASSES

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Cancer associated serum antigen (CASA) and CA125 assays used in the management of ovarian cancer measure distinct high molecular weight glycoproteins. The mechanisms of secretion of these molecules into the peripheral circulation are not clearly understood. METHODS: Concentrations of CASA and CA125 were assessed in peripheral blood, blood from veins draining ovarian and omental tumors, and peritoneal fluid in 20 women with pelvic masses. RESULTS: There was a near perfect correlation between peripheral vein and ovarian vein concentrations for both markers; concentrations in omental veins were higher than in peripheral veins in only a small proportion of cases, whereas the conc..