Serous ovarian neoplastic amylase (SONA): a potentially useful marker for serous ovarian tumors.

A series of cystic ovarian tumors was studied with regard to amylase activity in the cyst fluid. Large amounts of amylase activity were present only in those patients with endosalpingeal-type lining epithelium (serous ovarian neoplasms). The amylase activity from two such patients was further characterized using G75 Sephadex chromatography, DEAE Sephadex chromatography, agarose gel chromatography, isoelectric focusing, and heat inactivation studies. Serous ovarian neoplastic amylase (SONA) exhibited properties different from amylases of pancreatic and salivary gland origin. Serous ovarian neoplastic amylase (SONA) may be a pancreatic and salivary gland origin. Serous ovarian neoplastic amylase (SONA) may be a useful biochemical marker in diagnosing and managing patients with serous ovarian neoplasms.