About The Study: In this cohort study of patients with ovarian cancer, American Indian and Black patients were 23% less likely to have an elevated cancer antigen (CA)-125 level at diagnosis. Current CA-125 thresholds may miss racially and ethnically diverse patients with ovarian cancer. International guidelines use CA-125 thresholds to recommend which patients with pelvic masses should undergo evaluation by gynecologic oncologists for ovarian cancer. However, CA-125 thresholds were developed from white populations. Work is needed to develop inclusive CA-125 thresholds and diagnostic guidelines and not compound disparities in ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Anna Jo Bodurtha Smith, MD, MPH, email annajo.smith@pennmedicine.upenn.edu .
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(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.1292)
Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.
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