Increase in CA125: What should I watch in addition to CA 125?

In the last two months my ca125 went from 35 to over 900! My oncologist ordered CAT/CT’s (2) a CT with contrast on a brand new machine, Sigtura blood tests using my DNA (actually I’ve been having these blood tests for the last 4 months), all declaring no cancer. I have been having recurring UTI’s. Could this be the cause? Anyone else have anything similar. My oncologist says all we can do is keep monitoring. Any thoughts?

CA-125 is not a great test, but it’s the best we have for ovarian cancer. It’s not great because it is not very accurate. Medical tests have different levels of accuracy. And none are 100% accurate. In an ideal world, a test would always be positive when, and only when, the patient has the disease in question. And would always be negative when, and only when, the patient does not have the disease.

Unfortunately, many other conditions, including UTIs, can cause CA-125 to go up. So a high CA-125 doesn’t always mean cancer. Making this even worse, some women who have ovarian cancer have normal CA-125s.

In your case, the UTIs could be the cause of your elevated CA-125, but we also have to worry that your cancer is growing. This is why checking the CA-125 over time is helpful. If your levels keep going up over time, it’s less likely that UTIs are the cause, and more worrisome for recurrence.

It’s very hard to wait and worry. It’s human nature to want the answer RIGHT NOW. When I have to wait and worry, I find the serenity prayer helpful. Best of luck to you.

Thank you so much for your response. The serenity prayer is a great comfort. So in the mean time I will treasure the time I do have and know that I am in the hands of a loving God.

@sistermarcy, you may be interested in these related discussions (I moved your question to the first one so you can connect with others.)

- Increase in CA125: What should I watch in addition to CA 125?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/slight-increase-in-ca125/

- CA-125 Results Went Up: Should I be concerned https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ca-125-results-rose/

How are you doing?

I have stage 3C serous cell endometrial cancer, and am tested for ca 125, ca 19-9 and ca 15-3, CEA levels. My doctor relies on CT scans for the full story though.

CT scans every 3 months for the first few years post chemo. I wasn’t scanned for 2 years and my CA125 was still normal.

And I needed to add, after 2 years of just CA125 and pelvic exams, I changed providers and had a full check up including a CT. I was diagnosed stage 4. That was 3-1/2 years ago. That is the reason for my recommendation.

I know the feeling well. My CA125 was 1641 at diagnosis in Feb. After 2nd chemo treatment it fell to 744 then 179 then 105 then 81. After I finished chemo, we had it checked again and it went up to 90. Concerned but not freaking out. I had labs done on Aug 4th and it has jumped to 228. I'm scheduled for hysterectomy on Aug 20th and that seems forever away. I'm scheduled for another CT scan on the 14th of Aug. I'm hoping the numbers don't climb much. According to the CT scan I had after 4th treatment there was a lot of things resolved. The doctor that's going to do the surgery even commented I had make a remarkable turn around from my initial visit. Just praying he can get it all. 🙏🏻

Thank you. I’m still undergoing tests. My escalating CA125 has not been resolved yet. My oncologist might have my surgeon perform an endoscopy

Request Signatera ctDNA/liquid biopsy test (it’s under prescribed by GynOncs) It’s a better marker for OvC recurrence than the CA 125. Please ask your clinicians to order it. Blood draw. They’ll come to your house;-)