Elevated serum CA-125 levels in a patient with nephrotic syndrome

Background: Nephrotic syndrome associated with neoplastic diseases occurs in 10.9% of cases; the occurrence of nephrotic syndrome associated with ovarian tumors, however, is rare. Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is a high-molecular mass glycoprotein of 220 kDa, produced by epithelial ovarian tumors and by mesothelial cells. Radioimmunoassay for serum CA-125 determination has been proposed for monitoring the effi cacy of therapy and for early detection of recurrence. Elevated serum CA-125 levels have been demonstrated in a number of benign gynecologic as well as benign and malignant nongynecologic conditions. Case Report: A patient with nephrotic syndrome associated with renal amyloid involvement and considerable increase in CA-125 in serum is herein described. Thus far in the literature there is no data about such an increase of the level of CA-125 in nephrotic syndrome. Conclusions: Clinical usage of the tumor marker is being limited to its low specifi city. An increase in CA-125 among patients with fl uid in body cavities should be interpreted very carefully.