Investigation of Prognostic Biomarkers in Advanced Stage Ovarian Cancer
Objective: Ovarian cancer is a fatal disease originating from egg cells in the female reproductive system. It is the most lethal gynecological cancer, accounting for 4% of all cancers in women and 25% of female reproductive system cancers. Inflammation plays a significant role in its development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of inflammatory biomarkers on disease monitoring and prognosis in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Methods: This study included 29 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for advanced-stage (FIGO stage III–IV) ovarian cancer at Trakya University Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between February 2006 and July 2012. Twelve healthy postmenopausal women served as controls. All patients received standard surgical treatment comprising total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy as cytoreductive surgery to minimize residual tumor.
Results: Mean age of the study group was 52.6±8.8 years (range: 36–77). Twenty-three (79%) patients were stage III and six were stage IV. The control group's mean age was 54.3±8.1 years (range: 49–72), with no significant difference between groups (P=0.467). CA-125, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly elevated in the patient group (P<0.001 for all). Omental involvement was present in 21 (72%) patients, and subdiaphragmatic peritoneal involvement in 14 (49%). Recurrence was detected in 20 (66%) patients, including all six stage IV patients, within a maximum follow-up of 77 months.
Conclusion: Advanced-stage ovarian cancer appears strongly associated with inflammatory markers. These biomarkers should be considered in patients' routine clinical follow-up and prognostic evaluation.
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Article Information
- Article Type Research Article
- Submitted February 21, 2026
- Published June 1, 2026
- Issue Volume 12 - Issue 6 (June 2026)
- Section Research Article
- Categories
