Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (783 page)

   Sequential determinations are more useful than a single test, because levels in benign disease do not show significant change but progressive rise occurs in malignant disease.

   CA-125 is positive in 80% of cases of common epithelial tumors (50% of early-stage disease). It should be noted that 0.6% of normal women older than 50 years of age have increased levels of CA-125.

   Prognosis may be better if

   There is a 50% decline in concentration within 5 days after surgery.

   A postoperative-to-preoperative concentration ratio of 0.1 generally occurs within 4 weeks.

   People with a postoperative-to-preoperative concentration ratio of >0.1 to <0.5 may benefit from chemotherapy, but the recurrence rate is high.

   Patients with a postoperative-to-preoperative concentration ratio of >0.8 should consider alternative therapy (e.g., radiation, different chemotherapy combinations).

Suggested Reading

Fritsche HA, Bast RC. CA 125 in ovarian cancer: advances and controversy.
Clin Chem.
1998;44:1379–1380.

CANNABIS SATIVA
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   Definition

   An aromatic annual plant with origins in central Asia. The plant is known to contain 61 cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) and cannabidiol.

   Other names: marijuana, hashish, hash, sinsemilla, pot, grass.

   Use

   No federally recognized medical use (schedule I, Controlled Substances Act)

   Self-administered for its mood-altering properties—stimulant/depressant at low doses; CNS depressant at high doses