1. < Gynecologic Cancers
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CA-125 Results Went Up: Should I be concerned?

Posted by stparker54 @stparker54, Aug 26, 2020

The results of my CA-125 tumor marker test increased from 16.8 to 20.3. This is the fourth time I've had a tumor marker test and it's the first time there was an increase in the results. How concerned should I be?

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jaynus55 | @jaynus55 | Sep 18, 2024
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@jaynus55 In your initial post you indicated that you plan to see your oncologist this week...." + (show)
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@jaynus55 In your initial post you indicated that you plan to see your oncologist this week. Did that appointment happens as planned and if yes, do you have any new information about your treatment plan?

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I did not see my oncologist. I only went in for pre-chemo blood work. They just called me and told me my white blood cell count is still too low, 1.4, to have a treatment tomorrow. I actually only see my oncologist after a PET scan has been done, which is after three cycles of treatments. In the interim, I see the PA. I am on a two weeks on and one off for treatments. Treatments for two Thursdays in a row, and then off a week. So far I have only had one cycle on my new drugs, Gemzar and Cisplatin. I understood they were "potent", so I'm sure that's what has brought my WBC count down so low. It's frustrating as this will put me at four weeks with no treatment of any kind, and my CA-125 has skyrocketed. I'm still waiting for the result on this week's CA-125 reading. I understand they can't give me a treatment with my WBC so low as it is too risky and dangerous, but it is still worrisome to me, knowing these cancer cells are spreading. I just don't know what to do.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Sep 18, 2024
In reply to @jaynus55 "Diagnosed with OC in Feb 2022. I had chemo, surgery, more chemo and have continued on..." + (show)
Profile picture for jaynus55 @jaynus55

Diagnosed with OC in Feb 2022. I had chemo, surgery, more chemo and have continued on chemo since diagnosis. Meds have changed three times. My CA-125 has steadily risen since Oct 2023, when melanomas started popping out on me. Was on Avastin, Keytruda, & Cytoxan (started this cocktail in April 23). Had to stop Avastin for 8 wks due to melanoma surgeries in Nov 23 & Jan 24. Finally got back on full treatment in Feb 24. More melanomas. Avastin stopped again, as well as Cytoxan in July, for melanoma surgery. PET scans had been coming back with no activity up until end of May 24. Had PET scan first of Aug and there was "activity". Oncologist said drugs weren't working and we needed to change treatment. Choices were Taxol and Avastin, or Gemzar and Cisplatin. I opted to go with Gemzar/Cisplatin as I was told they would not have to stop the drugs if by chance any more melanoma surgeries came into play. By this this time I had gone five weeks with no treatment at all. I have had two cycles of treatments. Was due for third one today, but blood work was bad - low red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. Cipro prescribed to ward off infections. Due to go in next week and hopefully will be able to get treatment. My CA-125 came back at 2,847, which is only 125 points from where it was when diagnosed. We did explore clinical trial options at UVA, but opted at this time to go with the Gemzar/Cisplatin. I am devastated by the CA-125 reading and don't know what to do. Hopefully I have provided enough details about this cancer journey, without writing a book about it. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Jump to this post

@jaynus55 In your initial post you indicated that you plan to see your oncologist this week. Did that appointment happens as planned and if yes, do you have any new information about your treatment plan?

REPLY
1 reply
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ccwill | @ccwill | Sep 15, 2024
In reply to @jaynus55 "Diagnosed with OC in Feb 2022. I had chemo, surgery, more chemo and have continued on..." + (show)
Profile picture for jaynus55 @jaynus55

Diagnosed with OC in Feb 2022. I had chemo, surgery, more chemo and have continued on chemo since diagnosis. Meds have changed three times. My CA-125 has steadily risen since Oct 2023, when melanomas started popping out on me. Was on Avastin, Keytruda, & Cytoxan (started this cocktail in April 23). Had to stop Avastin for 8 wks due to melanoma surgeries in Nov 23 & Jan 24. Finally got back on full treatment in Feb 24. More melanomas. Avastin stopped again, as well as Cytoxan in July, for melanoma surgery. PET scans had been coming back with no activity up until end of May 24. Had PET scan first of Aug and there was "activity". Oncologist said drugs weren't working and we needed to change treatment. Choices were Taxol and Avastin, or Gemzar and Cisplatin. I opted to go with Gemzar/Cisplatin as I was told they would not have to stop the drugs if by chance any more melanoma surgeries came into play. By this this time I had gone five weeks with no treatment at all. I have had two cycles of treatments. Was due for third one today, but blood work was bad - low red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. Cipro prescribed to ward off infections. Due to go in next week and hopefully will be able to get treatment. My CA-125 came back at 2,847, which is only 125 points from where it was when diagnosed. We did explore clinical trial options at UVA, but opted at this time to go with the Gemzar/Cisplatin. I am devastated by the CA-125 reading and don't know what to do. Hopefully I have provided enough details about this cancer journey, without writing a book about it. Any suggestions? Thank you.

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Please find another source from MD Anderson:
https://www.mdanderson.org/content/dam/mdanderson/documents/for-physicians/algorithms/cancer-treatment/ca-treatment-endometrial-web-algorithm.pdf
Warmest regards,
CC

REPLY
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ccwill | @ccwill | Sep 15, 2024
In reply to @jaynus55 "Diagnosed with OC in Feb 2022. I had chemo, surgery, more chemo and have continued on..." + (show)
Profile picture for jaynus55 @jaynus55

Diagnosed with OC in Feb 2022. I had chemo, surgery, more chemo and have continued on chemo since diagnosis. Meds have changed three times. My CA-125 has steadily risen since Oct 2023, when melanomas started popping out on me. Was on Avastin, Keytruda, & Cytoxan (started this cocktail in April 23). Had to stop Avastin for 8 wks due to melanoma surgeries in Nov 23 & Jan 24. Finally got back on full treatment in Feb 24. More melanomas. Avastin stopped again, as well as Cytoxan in July, for melanoma surgery. PET scans had been coming back with no activity up until end of May 24. Had PET scan first of Aug and there was "activity". Oncologist said drugs weren't working and we needed to change treatment. Choices were Taxol and Avastin, or Gemzar and Cisplatin. I opted to go with Gemzar/Cisplatin as I was told they would not have to stop the drugs if by chance any more melanoma surgeries came into play. By this this time I had gone five weeks with no treatment at all. I have had two cycles of treatments. Was due for third one today, but blood work was bad - low red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. Cipro prescribed to ward off infections. Due to go in next week and hopefully will be able to get treatment. My CA-125 came back at 2,847, which is only 125 points from where it was when diagnosed. We did explore clinical trial options at UVA, but opted at this time to go with the Gemzar/Cisplatin. I am devastated by the CA-125 reading and don't know what to do. Hopefully I have provided enough details about this cancer journey, without writing a book about it. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Jump to this post

Dear @jaynus55 -

Questions to ask your doctors:

1. What is the intensity and location of the PET scan activity?
2. Are there any noticeable abnormalities or lesions?
3. How does the PET scan correlate with CA-125 levels?
4. What are the next steps in diagnosis and treatment? Can you use Keytruda alone when you're fit enough to do so?

My Oncologist said PET scans can sometimes produce false-positive results, showing abnormal activity in areas where there is no cancer. This can occur due to:

1. Inflammation or infection
2. Benign conditions (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids)
3. Recent surgery or radiation therapy
4. Certain medications (e.g., steroids, blood pressure medications)

False-positive results can lead to:

1. Unnecessary further testing or procedures
2. Anxiety and stress
3. Delayed or inappropriate treatment

In your case, the Oncologist might be cautious due to:

1. The high CA-125 level, which could indicate ovarian cancer
2. The potential for false-positive results on the PET scan

To minimize false positives, your Oncologist might recommend:

1. Alternative imaging tests (e.g., MRI, CT scan with contrast)
2. Biopsy or tissue sampling for definitive diagnosis
3. Close monitoring of CA-125 levels and symptoms
4. Consideration of other diagnostic tools (e.g., ultrasound, endoscopy)

REPLY
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ccwill | @ccwill | Sep 15, 2024
In reply to @lathomasmd "Will you share your sources with us?" + (show)
Profile picture for lathomasmd @lathomasmd

Will you share your sources with us?

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Dear @lathomasmd ,

Here are some sources that support the information I provided:

*Dietary changes and natural remedies:*

1. National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) - "Nutrition and Ovarian Cancer"
2. American Cancer Society (ACS) - "Nutrition for Cancer Patients"
3. PubMed: "Curcumin and Cancer" (2019)
4. PubMed: "Green Tea Catechins and Cancer" (2018)

*Medical treatments and procedures:*

1. American Cancer Society (ACS) - "Treatment of Ovarian Cancer"
2. National Cancer Institute (NCI) - "Ovarian Epithelial Cancer Treatment"
3. Mayo Clinic - "Ovarian cancer treatment"

*Specific studies on CA125 reduction:*

1. PubMed: "The effect of curcumin on CA125 levels in ovarian cancer patients" (2018)
2. PubMed: "Green tea extract reduces CA125 levels in women with ovarian cancer" (2015)

*Additional resources:*

1. Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) - "CA125"
2. Cancer Research UK - "CA125 test"

REPLY
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lathomasmd | @lathomasmd | Sep 15, 2024
In reply to @jaynus55 "Thank you for responding. If push comes to shove, and my oncologist felt strongly I need..." + (show)
Profile picture for jaynus55 @jaynus55

Thank you for responding. If push comes to shove, and my oncologist felt strongly I need it, then I would certainly consider. I've been on several chemo "cocktails" over the last two and a half years, and they do blood work on me before every treatment. A lot of things in my blood work readings read "low", and some "high", and I have asked my oncologist about it, but they tell me they keep a close watch on it all. I think these two new chemo drugs I started, Gemzar and Cisplatin, are pretty potent (according to UVA doc), and may have contributed to low white/red blood cell counts. I also dealt with a nose bleed several days last week that finally got under control two days before the blood work they did this past week. I'm hoping my white blood cell count is back to normal range, as that is the one I think was the problem. It was down to 1, and normal starts at 4.

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The first time I went through chemo, my blood counts stayed normal. The second time I went through chemo, I became anemic enough to require a blood transfusion twice. My white cell count also dropped enough to require Neulasta (a white cell booster) after each infusion. At the risk of sounding like a drug commercial, “Ask your doctor if Neulasta is right for you!”😉

REPLY
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lathomasmd | @lathomasmd | Sep 15, 2024
In reply to @ccwill "@jaynus55 Good morning, I stand corrected. Both you and your friend are fighters. I trust he's..." + (show)
Profile picture for ccwill @ccwill

@jaynus55

Good morning,

I stand corrected. Both you and your friend are fighters. I trust he's currently doing well!

CA125 is a protein that can be elevated in various conditions, including ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and inflammatory diseases. While I'm not a medical professional, below are some general information on how to potentially lower CA125 levels. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Some natural ways to potentially lower CA125 levels include:

1. _Dietary changes_: Increase omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber-rich foods.
2. _Turmeric/Curcumin_: Anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce CA125.
3. _Green tea_: Antioxidants and catechins may contribute to lower CA125.
4. _Vitamin D_: Maintain adequate levels, as deficiencies may contribute to elevated CA125.
5. _Probiotics_: Support gut health, which may help regulate inflammation.
6. _Reduce stress_: High stress levels can contribute to inflammation and elevated CA125.
7. _Exercise regularly_: Promotes overall health and may help lower CA125.
8. _Get enough sleep_: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help regulate inflammation.

Some medical treatments and procedures may also help lower CA125 levels, such as:

1. _Surgery_: Removing affected tissues or organs.
2. _Chemotherapy_: Targeting cancer cells.
3. _Hormonal therapies_: Regulating hormonal imbalances.

Again, please consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on lowering CA125 levels. They will help determine the best course of action based on your specific situation.

Warmest regards,
Carol

Jump to this post

Will you share your sources with us?

REPLY
1 reply
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ccwill | @ccwill | Sep 15, 2024
In reply to @jaynus55 "Thank you so much for the nutrition information. I already eat some of the things you..." + (show)
Profile picture for jaynus55 @jaynus55

Thank you so much for the nutrition information. I already eat some of the things you listed, and I will try some of the others.
Oh - I'm not going to be 91. That is my friend who had prostate cancer 12 years ago that will soon turn 91. I'm 69 and looking forward to making it to 70. I plan to keep up the fight!

Jump to this post

@jaynus55

Good morning,

I stand corrected. Both you and your friend are fighters. I trust he's currently doing well!

CA125 is a protein that can be elevated in various conditions, including ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and inflammatory diseases. While I'm not a medical professional, below are some general information on how to potentially lower CA125 levels. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Some natural ways to potentially lower CA125 levels include:

1. _Dietary changes_: Increase omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber-rich foods.
2. _Turmeric/Curcumin_: Anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce CA125.
3. _Green tea_: Antioxidants and catechins may contribute to lower CA125.
4. _Vitamin D_: Maintain adequate levels, as deficiencies may contribute to elevated CA125.
5. _Probiotics_: Support gut health, which may help regulate inflammation.
6. _Reduce stress_: High stress levels can contribute to inflammation and elevated CA125.
7. _Exercise regularly_: Promotes overall health and may help lower CA125.
8. _Get enough sleep_: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help regulate inflammation.

Some medical treatments and procedures may also help lower CA125 levels, such as:

1. _Surgery_: Removing affected tissues or organs.
2. _Chemotherapy_: Targeting cancer cells.
3. _Hormonal therapies_: Regulating hormonal imbalances.

Again, please consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on lowering CA125 levels. They will help determine the best course of action based on your specific situation.

Warmest regards,
Carol

REPLY
1 reply
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jaynus55 | @jaynus55 | Sep 15, 2024
In reply to @lathomasmd "Two things to consider when deciding whether or not to get a blood transfusion: if your..." + (show)
Profile picture for lathomasmd @lathomasmd

Two things to consider when deciding whether or not to get a blood transfusion: if your hemoglobin is lower than 7, for a few weeks or more, you could have a heart attack. Or if you had a serious injury with bleeding, you would bleed out much faster than someone with a normal blood count. A transfusion can be necessary even when you don’t feel terribly fatigued. Just sayin’.

Jump to this post

Thank you for responding. If push comes to shove, and my oncologist felt strongly I need it, then I would certainly consider. I've been on several chemo "cocktails" over the last two and a half years, and they do blood work on me before every treatment. A lot of things in my blood work readings read "low", and some "high", and I have asked my oncologist about it, but they tell me they keep a close watch on it all. I think these two new chemo drugs I started, Gemzar and Cisplatin, are pretty potent (according to UVA doc), and may have contributed to low white/red blood cell counts. I also dealt with a nose bleed several days last week that finally got under control two days before the blood work they did this past week. I'm hoping my white blood cell count is back to normal range, as that is the one I think was the problem. It was down to 1, and normal starts at 4.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for jaynus55
jaynus55 | @jaynus55 | Sep 15, 2024
In reply to @ccwill "Dear @jaynus55 , In my opinion, the surgeries might have caused your CA125 levels to spike...." + (show)
Profile picture for ccwill @ccwill

Dear @jaynus55 ,
In my opinion, the surgeries might have caused your CA125 levels to spike. Your body may need time to recover and rejuvenate. Consider incorporating natural remedies to support your healing:

- Fresh celery and parsley juice
- Cucumber juice from a juicing bar
- Chia seeds and flaxseeds in Greek yogurt, cream of wheat, or oatmeal
- Daily intake of organic:
- Avocado
- Watermelon
- Blueberries
- Red peppers
- Strawberries
- Cabbage
- Baby Spinach
- Bone broth when feeling tired or not hungry
- Decaf Lemon ginger tea
- Decaf green tea

Definitely give yourself time to heal and allow your blood work to improve. Three of the most understated nutrients in our fight against cancer are magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin D3, as well as Amino Acids.

May God bless you with strength and courage in your fight against cancer. You're an inspiration to me and many others.

Wishing you a happy and blessed 91st birthday soon!

Warm regards,
CC

N.B. This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for the nutrition information. I already eat some of the things you listed, and I will try some of the others.
Oh - I'm not going to be 91. That is my friend who had prostate cancer 12 years ago that will soon turn 91. I'm 69 and looking forward to making it to 70. I plan to keep up the fight!

REPLY
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