Menstrual cycle variability of ca 72-4 in healthy women

Abstract

Objectives: CA 72-4 is not approved as a tumormarker but has been used as an adjunct marker in gynecological practice. The study aims to evaluate the menstrual cycle variability of CA 72-4 in a population of healthy women. Design and methods: Forty apparently healthy regularly menstruating subjects were included in the crosssectional study designed in the University Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinic. Venous blood samples from each participant were collected twice: first at the follicular phase (2nd–5th days of the menstrual cycle) for FSH, estradiol, CA 125, CA 72-4 and the other at the luteal phase (21st-24th days of the menstrual cycle) for progesterone, CA 125 and CA 72-4 levels. Results: CA 72-4 values were similar in follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in apparently healthy regularly menstruating subjects (1.15 U/mL (0.2–5.4) vs 1.15 U/mL (0.56–6.3); p= 0.326 respectively). Ovulatory or smoking status did not have an effect on CA 72-4 values (p N 0.05). Conclusion: This first clinical study about the menstrual cycle variability of CA 72-4 revealed that the menstrual cycle does not have a significant impact on CA 72-4 values and that it can be measured at any time during the menstrual period.