The CA 72-4 (Cancer Antigen 72-4) test measures the level of a specific high-molecular-weight glycoprotein in the blood, which functions as a tumor marker. This marker is predominantly used in the management and monitoring of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly gastric (stomach) cancer and, to a lesser extent, ovarian cancer.
Like other tumor markers (such as CEA or CA 19-9), CA 72-4 is not used for screening or definitive diagnosis but is valuable for monitoring disease status and recurrence in patients already diagnosed with CA 72-4-producing tumors.
