Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA)

Total PSA includes both protein-bound PSA in the blood and a small fraction of unbound, or free, PSA. PSA is a protein produced mainly by prostate cells.

PSA levels in the blood are often elevated in men with prostate cancer, and this test has been widely used as a screening tool, although it has its limitations.

For men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, PSA testing is commonly used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, as increased levels may indicate a recurrence of the disease.

Elevated PSA levels can also occur in benign conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis, making PSA a non-specific marker.

CA 125 is a protein produced by cells in the ovaries and other tissues.

CA 125 is most commonly used to monitor patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common type of ovarian cancer.

An increase or decrease in CA 125 levels during treatment (e.g. chemotherapy) provides valuable information about the effectiveness of the therapy. A decrease in levels generally indicates a good response to treatment, while an increase in levels may suggest disease progression.

After treatment, CA 125 levels are often measured to detect recurrence. If levels start to rise after surgery or chemotherapy, this may be a sign that the cancer has returned.

Higher levels of CA 125 at diagnosis are often associated with more advanced disease and a poorer prognosis. In some cases, a large increase in CA 125 prior to surgery may indicate more aggressive disease.

The test is not recommended for screening asymptomatic women for ovarian cancer, as elevated CA 125 levels can occur in many non-cancerous conditions, leading to false positives and unnecessary interventions.