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Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers in the COVID-19 Era

Author

Listed:
  • Antonella Farina

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Flavia Colaiacovo

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Mariacarmela Gianfrate

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Beatrice Pucci

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Antonio Angeloni

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Emanuela Anastasi

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Ovarian Cancer (OC) diagnosis is entrusted to CA125 and HE4. Since the latter has been found increased in COVID-19 patients, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection on OC biomarkers. HE4 values above the cut-off were observed in 65% of OC patients and in 48% of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients (not oncologic patients), whereas CA125 values above the cut-off were observed in 71% of OC patients and in 11% of SARS-CoV-2 patients. Hence, by dividing the HE4 levels into quartiles, we can state that altered levels of HE4 in COVID-19 patients were mostly detectable in quartile I (151–300 pmol/L), while altered levels in OC patients were mostly clustered in quartile III (>600, pmol/L). In light of these observations, in order to better discriminate women with ovarian cancer versus those with COVID-19, we established a possible HE4 cut-off of 328 pmol/L by means of a ROC curve. These results demonstrate that the reliability of HE4 as a biomarker in ovarian cancer remains unchanged, despite COVID-19 interference; moreover, it is important for a proper diagnosis that whether the patient has a recent history of SARS-CoV-2 infection is determined.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonella Farina & Flavia Colaiacovo & Mariacarmela Gianfrate & Beatrice Pucci & Antonio Angeloni & Emanuela Anastasi, 2023. "Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers in the COVID-19 Era," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:11:p:5994-:d:1158913
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    Keywords

    ovarian cancer; SARS-CoV-2; tumor markers; HE4;
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