Ovarian Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ovarian Cancer, including details on symptoms, causes, treatment, information.

A study to evaluate the use of CA125 in ovarian cancer follow-up: A change in practice led by patient preference.

Palmer C, Pratt J, Basu B, Earl H

Department of Oncology, Cambridge Gynae-Oncology Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Box 193, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK. cherylannepalmer@doctors.net.uk

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of CA125 in the follow-up of women with epithelial ovarian cancer in the Cambridge Gynaecologic Oncology Centre. To institute changes depending on patients' preferences. METHODS: A patient questionnaire was developed on follow-up, CA125 estimation and patient education in epithelial ovarian cancer and CA125. Initially, 100 patients were evaluated, and a change in practice was instituted. This was re-evaluated using the same patient population. RESULTS: 22/22 patients in clinic, and 68/78 patients who received the questionnaire by post, completed and returned it (n = 90). 81% wanted CA125 results available at clinic follow-up visits, with 82% willing to have the blood test done at their GP surgery before attending outpatients. CA125 follow-up practice was changed accordingly. This change was re-evaluated. A second questionnaire was sent to 35 surviving patients from the first cohort. 31/35 (90%) responses were received. Five patients were either no longer on follow-up, being > or =5 years from completing their original treatment or were being monitored elsewhere, leaving an 87% response rate (26/30). 92.3% felt that having CA125 results available in clinic had enhanced the quality of their follow-up. Patient education and basic understanding of CA125 also improved, with 88.5% aware of its role. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of CA125 results when patients attend for routine follow-up has improved their overall management in our clinics. It has reduced patient and physician anxiety and unsatisfactory out-of-clinic telephone communication. We recommend this change of practice to all Gynaecologic Oncology Centres engaged in active routine follow-up of their patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

Published 28 February 2006 in Gynecol Oncol, 101(1): 4-11.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Ovarian Cancer Research Today. All Rights Reserved.