CA125 (cancer antigen 125, carcinoma antigen 125, or carbohydrate antigen 125) also known as mucin 16, is a member of the mucin family glycoproteins. CA125 is a component of the ocular surface (including the cornea and conjunctiva), the respiratory tract and the female reproductive tract epithelia. Since CA125 is highly glycosylated, it creates a hydrophilic environment that acts as a lubricating barrier against foreign particles and infectious agents on the apical membrane of epithelial cells. CA125 reacts with both normal tissues and neoplasms of the fallopian tube, endometrium, endocervix and mesothelioma. It does not react with colon cancer. Normal tissues such as breast, liver, skin, kidney and spleen are also negative. Studies have shown that CA125 reacts with approximately 80% of epithelial ovarian neoplasms of serous, endometrioid, clear cell and undifferentiated types. No reactivity has been shown for mucinous ovarian tumours or in germ cell or hematopoietic tumours. This antibody is a useful aid for the classification of a variety of tumours, such as some adenocarcinomas of the colon, breast carcinomas, malignant mesothelioma, uterine adenomatoid tumour, lung bronchoalveolar carcinoma, and ovarian endometrioid and serous carcinomas.
CA125 (cancer antigen 125, carcinoma antigen 125, or carbohydrate antigen 125) also known as mucin 16, is a member of the mucin family glycoproteins. CA125 is a component of the ocular surface (including the cornea and conjunctiva), the respiratory tract and the female reproductive tract epithelia. Since CA125 is highly glycosylated, it creates a hydrophilic environment that acts as a lubricating barrier against foreign particles and infectious agents on the apical membrane of epithelial cells. CA125 reacts with both normal tissues and neoplasms of the fallopian tube, endometrium, endocervix and mesothelioma. It does not react with colon cancer. Normal tissues such as breast, liver, skin, kidney and spleen are also negative. Studies have shown that CA125 reacts with approximately 80% of epithelial ovarian neoplasms of serous, endometrioid, clear cell and undifferentiated types. No reactivity has been shown for mucinous ovarian tumours or in germ cell or hematopoietic tumours. This antibody is a useful aid for the classification of a variety of tumours, such as some adenocarcinomas of the colon, breast carcinomas, malignant mesothelioma, uterine adenomatoid tumour, lung bronchoalveolar carcinoma, and ovarian endometrioid and serous carcinomas.