What is the best analyte to monitor for recurrence of ovarian cancer?

The best analyte to monitor for recurrence of ovarian cancer is CA-125. This biomarker is specifically associated with ovarian tissue and is used extensively in both the diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer. Elevated levels of CA-125 can indicate the presence of ovarian cancer, and changes in its levels can help assess treatment response or the likelihood of recurrence in patients already diagnosed with the disease.

While CA-15-3, CA-19-9, and CEA are valuable in monitoring other cancers, they are not specific to ovarian cancer. CA-15-3 is primarily associated with breast cancer, CA-19-9 is linked to pancreatic and biliary cancers, and CEA is often used for colorectal cancer monitoring. Therefore, CA-125 stands out as the most relevant and effective analyte for tracking the status of ovarian cancer specifically.