Abstract
Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is a biomarker of an ovarian cancer treatment in women, but its elevated levels occur also in non - gynecological malignancies, heart failure and liver cirrhosis. CA 125 is produced by peritoneal mesothelial cells and for a long time was recognized as a marker of mesothelial cell mass and biocompatibility of peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions in PD patients.
The aim of this article is to summarize available information about CA 125, which are based on the results of numerous in vitro and in vivo studies. We want to contribute to a discussion about the reliability and significance of this, as yet unequalled, marker of mesothelial cell mass, which levels could be affected by inflammation, infection and apoptosis or necrosis of mesothelila cells.