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. Lay abstract Cancer antigen 72-4 is a tumor marker for ovarian cancer. It can be measured in blood samples of patients to monitor the disease. We compared an established method of measurement with a newly designed one (DRG TM-CA 72-4 ELISA) and found that the newer one produced reliable results. Therefore, the DRG TM-CA 72-4 ELISA could be an option for the measurement of cancer antigen 72-4 in ovarian cancer patients.