Diagnostic test for ovarian cancer composed of ovarian cancer symptom index, menopausal status and ovarian cancer antigen CA125

The objective of the study was to evaluate accuracy of the diagnostic test composed of the ovarian cancer symptom index, ovarian cancer antigen CA125 and menopausal status. Methods: A case-control study consisting of 75 women--24 patients with ovarian cancer, 20 patients with benign ovarian diseases, and 31 age-matched healthy controls. Results: Sensitivity and specificity for the ovarian cancer symptom index alone was 83.3% and 48.3%, respectively. Specificity improved up to 70.9% when menopausal status was added. When CA125 (at cut-off level of 21 U/ml) was added to the ovarian cancer symptom index, the highest sensitivity and specificity was achieved resulting in 79.1% and 100.0%, respectively. Conclusions: The ovarian cancer symptom index could be used as a first-step screening tool in combination with serum biomarkers followed by TVS examination with an acceptable sensitivity and specificity. However, further prospective studies with larger sample size are needed to reach clear conclusions.

Ovarian cancer; Symptoms; Screening

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