What does the acronym CA125 refer to in oncology?

The acronym CA125 stands for Cancer Antigen 125. It is a protein that is often found in higher concentrations in the blood of individuals with certain types of cancer, particularly ovarian cancer. CA125 is utilized as a tumor marker in clinical practice; it can help monitor treatment response and detect cancer recurrence. Elevated levels of CA125 can indicate the presence of malignant tumors, although they can also be elevated due to non-cancerous conditions, making it a specific yet not exclusively definitive marker for cancer diagnosis. Understanding this protein's role is crucial for oncology nurses in assessing patient conditions and communicating findings with the healthcare team.