The value of mesothelin in the diagnosis and follow-up of surgically treated ovarian cancer

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the value of serum mesothelin concentration for diagnosis of ovarian cancer and for monitoring the therapeutic effect of surgical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study consisted of 42 patients with ovarian cancer undergoing surgery, 48 with benign ovarian tumors, and 49 healthy controls. Blood was drawn pre-operatively and one month post-operatively to test serum mesothelin levels.

RESULTS:

Mesothelin values were higher in the ovarian cancer group compared to controls and higher preoperatively vs post-operatively in the ovarian cancer group. For the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, the positive predictive value of serum mesothelin was 80.5%, the negative predictive value was 81.6%, sensitivity was 78.6%, and specificity was 83.3%.

CONCLUSION:

Serum mesothelin is increased in ovarian cancer, has high-specificity, and can be used in the pre-operative diagnostic evaluation for ovarian cancer.