[Rising CA-125 levels in a patient with ovarian cancer are not always indicative of disease recurrence]

Abstract

A 64-year-old woman was diagnosed as suffering from ovarian cancer. At that time, in 1984, she was treated with chemotherapy and complete remission was achieved. The disease recurred 2.5 years later and chemotherapy was delivered again. The patient remained disease free for 9 years. At that point a routine blood examination revealed a high serum level of the marker CA-125. A second recurrence of ovarian cancer was assumed. Nonetheless, work up revealed that the rise in CA-125 was related to the presence of a non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL).

Conclusions: This case together with our review of the literature highlights the emerging roll of the CA-125 marker in the diagnosis and follow-up of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Our case also illustrates that physicians should be aware of the fact that markers may be misleading.