CA-125 Results Went Up: Should I be concerned?

Thanks for replying, Helen. Basically, I believe her oncologist said it wasn't the be all and end all (my words).
She will be having another scan tomorrow. She has Clear Cell carcinoma and the tumor was a little larger with the first round. Hoping the 2nd round has helped, but was somewhat alarmed when the CA125 test levels started to rise again.

Hi Carole, I'd like to add my welcome. Clearly you are worried about your daughter. Your question about rising CA 125 levels is a common one. For this reason, I moved your question to this existing discussion so you can connect with others with ovarian cancer like @odette @starko @stparker54 @heather2020 and others
- CA-125 Results Went Up: Should I be concerned? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ca-125-results-rose/

From Mayo Clinic:
"Rising CA 125 levels MAY indicate that ovarian cancer has come back after treatment. Regular monitoring of CA 125 has NOT been shown to improve outcomes for those with ovarian cancer and may lead to additional and unnecessary rounds of chemotherapy or other treatments."

As your daughter's oncologist said, it can be an indicator, but cannot be relied on alone. Further testing is necessary to confirm what is going on.

You may wish to also review and join others talking about ovarian clear cell carcinoma in this discussion:
- Rare cancer: ovarian clear cell carcinoma https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rare-cancer/

How did the second and third chemo rounds go? How are you doing?

My oncologist said any number below 38 is normal.. It varies. !y number rose to 16 and now bc has recurred and new result is 9!!!! How go down if I have cancrr??. Did biopsy take cancer away??..was core needle.

Dear Carole,
I do not write frequently on this site because clear cell carcinoma is rarely addressed, but my name was listed as a potential contact. More than five years ago I was diagnosed with OCCC so I do have some knowledge and certainly experience with this rare histology.
I hope your daughter is managing both physically and emotionally with your support as well as that of her medical team. It was not clear to me that she has had surgery.
I am happy to communicate if it would help.

Hi,
My daughter's cancer had already metastasized so no surgery was performed and she started right in on chemo. Since writing this, she went off chemo and started ketruda which also seems to not have helped. In fact one tumor had significantly enlarged. I appreciate your offer to communicate, but there may not be much more to do, except try another chemo drug to delay the inevitable. Her surgeon took a genetic sample when she took out her right ovary due to its dying and causing her pain. I guess that could lead her to a clinical study. But, I don't have a lot of hope in that.
Were you diagnosed at an early stage? 5 years sounds wonderful and I am happy for you.

Dear @carole2022, this must be heart-wrenching for you and your family to face and accept. Has your daughter been offered or told about palliative care?

Yes. However, they are now going to try something else, which sounds hopeful as to prolonging things. Overall, she still is coping well. Thank you for caring.

My recent CA 125 was 38.1. I’ve never had abnormal results before. I’m really concerned. I’m also being treated for GERD. I have the best GYNECOLOGIST. I’m going for pelvis/abdominal MRI next week and consult for endoscopy. I know she’s concerned about ovarian CA. Anyone heard of high numbers not related to some type of CA?

This is still in the normal range, however I would consult with your doctor to see if he wants to do further tests

Thank you!!!!! Yes, I’m going for further testing. I had a very rare bladder cancer, urachal Adenocarcinoma. I’m 3 years cancer free! My gynecologist saved my life. We caught it early. I don’t take any chances.