Value of combined multiple tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors

Objective To appraise the value of combined multiple tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors. Methods Eighty-three patients with ovarian tumors confirmed by pathological diagnosis were tested with combined multiple tumor markers including CA125,CA19-9,alpha-fetoprotein (AFP),carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), serum ferritin (FT) preoperatively by automated chemiluminescence assay,and the relations between the results and the pathological diagnosis were analyzed retrospectively.Results There was statistical difference among the positive rates of tumor markers in malignant [ 83.87%(26/31 ) ] and benign ovarian tumors [ 36.54% (19/52) ] (P ＜ 0.05 ). Every tumor marker had its sensitivity and specificity,but CA125 was the best marker of all. Its sensitivity was 74.2%, specificity was 55.8%,positive predictive value was 50.0% ,the specificity of CEA,AFP and FT was all 98.1%, the sensitivity of those was 16.1%, 3.2%, 16.1% respectively. When combined with the others,it could improve its specificity and positive predictive value,but the sensitivity declined greatly. Conclusion The accuracy of distinguishing the malignant from benign ovarian tumors is enhanced by combined multiple tumor markers testing. Key words: Ovarian neoplasms; Tumor markers,biological