[Serum ferritin levels in patient with gynecological malignancy--especially the judgement of therapeutic response and the monitor during the post-therapeutic follow-up period (author's transl)].

Serum ferritin levels in patients with gynecological malignancy were measured by radioimmunoassay and in addition CEA, AFP and CRP were measured simultaneously. No samples had elevated values more than 200 ng/ml in none malignancy. The serum ferritin levels was elevated (greater than 200 ng/ml) in many patients with advanced cervical cancer and its recurrence, while early stage were almost within normal ferritin range. Patients with ovarian cancer showed normal ferritin levels, but its recurrence showed almost within normal levels than other groups. Serial measurements of serum ferritin showed a fall in patients who responded to radiation therapy or chemotherapy. In patients with tumor progression during therapy, ferritin values increased. The highest ferritin levels were found in patients with the time of recurrence and death. Ferritin levels showed low values in 5 cases of ovarian cancer without symptoms of recurrence on follow-up over 18 months. No correlation was found between ferritin and CEA or AFP levels in different patients except some cases. These results suggest that determination of serum ferritin may be useful to detect recurrence and to monitor the result of treatment.