Genetic and Molecular Analysis of Cancer Testis Antigen 45 in Ovarian Cancer: A Review

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer of the ovary is one of the most lethal malignancies among women worldwide. This is due to the unavailability of any suitable biomarker for diagnosis or screening. Presently, the serum level of CA125 is the established biomarker for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of Ovarian Cancer (OC). But CA125 is also raised in different benign conditions like dysfunctional uterine bleeding, fibroid, etc. along with healthy conditions like pregnancy and menstruation. In many cases of OC, CA125 isn’t raised. Cancer testis antigen 45 (CT45) in itself is emerging as a prominent prognostic marker in several cancers. Its role in Ovarian cancer is very much defined and paving new avenues for more therapeutic monitoring and target-related treatment. This study highlights the importance of CT45 in ovarian cancer and its intervention in genetic counterpart will help in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Recent studies have shown the role of cancer-testis antigen 45 as an independent prognostic factor. Its higher expression is associated with better therapeutic response and seven times higher overall survival. Expression of CT45 is nil in normal ovaries, which makes it more clinically significant. CT45 has shown its significance in other solid tumours too.

Methodology: A literature survey was done in English literature by pearl growing and citation chasing. Various search engine tools like PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar etc were used.

Conclusion: In the era of molecular biology, the search for a gold standard biomarker is still without success. Studies show that cancer testis antigen 45 may have the potential to fill this gap, although it needs studies on a larger cohort.