Centocor CA 125 II, New Version of CA 125 Assay, Is Now Available

MALVERN, Penn--Centocor Diagnostics has introduced Centocor CA125 II, a second-generation radioimmunoassay for the managementof ovarian cancer. The new assay, a more sensitive version ofCentocor CA 125, uses the same tracer antibody, OC125, but a newcapture antibody, M11, to measure serum CA 125 levels.

According to the company, the new capture antibody enhances resolution,which translates into superior analytical precision, especiallyat low CA 125 concentrations.

The assay is used to detect residual epithelial ovarian cancerafter primary therapy; to determine tumor recurrence, progression,or regression; and to evaluate postmenopausal women with suspectedovarian masses when used in conjunction with other tests.

A large-scale National Cancer Institute trial is underway to determineif routine screening of asymptomatic individuals with CA 125 IIand other screening tests for major cancers can save lives.

Investigators are randomizing 148,000 men and women to receiveeither a specified regimen of screening tests or only those screeningtests recommended by their physicians. Women in the interventiongroup will receive an annual CA 125 II assay, chest x-ray, physicianexamination of the ovaries, transvaginal ultrasound, and sigmoidoscopy.