Markers for ovarian cancer: regan isoenzyme and other glycoproteins.

Since embryonic genes are not generally active in normal adult subjects and because certain of these genes are activated in cancer leading to ectopic synthesis, it is the difference between the ectopic level and the normal adult concentrations of embryonic gene products which we seek in developing "markers" for ovarian cancer. The carcinoplacental alkaline phosphatases corresponding to the term gestational phenotypes correlate positively with ovarian cancer as does hCG. Other fetal and placental glycoproteins whose presence is noted in ovarian cancer include CEA, alpha-FP, and Björklund's antigen. Antigens of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma have not yet been examined for their possible fetal or placental origins. The degree of concordance of expression of Regan isoenzyme and hCG is variable. Profiles of glycoproteins would appear to offer an opportunity to inquire more deeply into the nature of ovarian cancer and from this inquiry, one can expect to develop a system of markers which can be of clinical use.