Early detection of recurrent ovarian cancer, current use of oncomarkers, imaging methods, and future perspectives

Abstract

Ovarian carcinoma is one of the most serious types of gynecological tumors. It is usually diagnosed in advanced stages, mainly due to an asymptomatic course or non-specific symptoms in the early stages. It is also characterized by a tendency to recur frequently, thus reducing the overall survival of patients. This article focuses on the possibility of detecting recurrence of the disease during follow-up of patients after complete remission. According to the analyzed literature, the monitoring of CA-125 and HE4 oncomarker levels in combination with imaging methods such as expert ultrasonography, CT, and positron emission techniques offers the potential for early detection of recurrence. The most advanced type of computed tomography, photon-counting CT, with high detection capability and lower radiation burden, also holds promise. The question of further management of early-detected asymptomatic recurrence is open for further discussion.