SIGNIFICANCE OF CA-125 AS A PROGNOSTIC MARKER IN NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA

Introduction: CA-125 is a significant marker for assessing epithelial ovarian tumours and pelvic masses. In some studies serum CA-125 levels were found to be higher than normal levels in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Patients and Method: Serum CA-125 and LDH levels were measured in 36 lymphoma patients (twelve with low grade and twenty-four with high grade subtype) before chemotherapy. Second determinations of CA-125 and LDH were performed in 20 patients who responded to chemotherapy. Results: Twenty-six of 36 patients (72%) had an elevated CA-125 levels. Higher CA-125 levels were associated with advanced disease (stage III and IV), intermediate/high grade histology and high serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. CA-125 levels decreased after chemotherapy. Discussion: Measurement of CA-125 levels may be a significant marker for diagnosis, staging and determination of response to chemotherapy in NHL patients.

Keywords: ca-125, non-hodgkin lymphoma, prognostic marker