Evaluation of a novel ELISA for the tumor-associated antigen CA 72-4 in patients with ovarian cancer.

Aim: Cancer antigen 72-4 (CA 72-4) is an established tumor marker in ovarian cancer. We evaluated a new solid-phase ELISA (DRG TM-CA 72-4 ELISA).

Materials & Methods: Repeated measures of test samples and controls were performed to evaluate reliability and reproducibility. Afterward, we performed analyses on the sera of 150 patients with primarily diagnosed ovarian cancer. Results were compared with those of the Cobas CA 72-4 kit. Results were correlated with clinical patient data.

Results: Results of the DRG TM-CA 72-4 ELISA were reproducible with acceptable deviations within measures, and the measured CA 72-4 serum concentrations were well in accordance with the references. High concentrations were significantly associated with grading, tumor stage and tumor residuals after surgery.