Research Commentary

CA 125: The End of the Beginning
Eivind Hovig^b, Phil D. Rye^a, David J. Warren^a, Kjell Nustad<sup>a

a</sup>Central Laboratory and
^bDepartment of Tumor Biology, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway

Address of Corresponding Author

Tumor Biol 2001;22:345-347 (DOI: 10.1159/000050637)

  Key Words

• CA 125
• Immunoassay
• Cloning
• OC 125
• Mucin
• Gene sequence
• Tumor marker

  Abstract

CA 125, a high-molecular-weight mucin, was first defined in 1981 by the monoclonal antibody OC125. Until recently, it has defied many attempts to purify it from a variety of sources, although many research groups have successfully raised antibodies that bind to CA 125. Nevertheless, CA 125 has demonstrated its considerable value as a marker in monitoring patients with ovarian cancer. This year, two research groups have succeeded in cloning the high-molecular-weight mucin CA 125. Their findings are summarized and the significance discussed in light of existing data from the human genome.

Copyright © 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. Kjell Nustad
Central Laboratory, Norwegian Radium Hospital
Ullernchausseén 71, Montebello
N-0310 Oslo (Norway)
Tel. +47 2293 5907, Fax +47 2273 0725, E-Mail kjell.nustad@labmed.uio.no

  Article Information

Received: Received: September 17, 2001
Accepted after revision: September 26, 2001
Number of Print Pages : 3
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 16