THE VALUE OF CA-125 DETERMINATION IN THE SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMAS - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

The levels of CA 19-9, CA 15-3 and CA 125 in the serum of 50 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) were investigated. Mean values of these serum tumor markers were compared to stage, presence or absence of B-symptoms, histology and site of the disease. Increased serum levels were detected in 20%-28% of the patients. However, statistical significant difference was found only in the levels of CA 125 as compared to the advanced stage (p < 0.05) and especially in those patients with abdominal (p < 0.05) and mediastinal involvement (p < 0.01). We conclude that more elevated CA 125 levels can be found in the serum of patients with advanced NHL and more commonly in those with extensive internal lymphadenopathy.