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Cancer Antigen 72-4 (CA 72-4)

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

CA 72-4 is a tumor marker used to monitor the progression and treatment response of gastric and ovarian cancers.

Quick summary

CA 72-4 is a biomarker for monitoring gastric and ovarian cancers.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
U/mL
Clinical utility
monitoring
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Roche CA 72-4, Abbott CA 72-4, Fujirebio CA 72-4
interpretation: {"text":"0–6.9 U/mL: Within the normal range, indicating a low likelihood of active cancer.","label":"Normal"}; {"text":">6.9 U/mL: May indicate the presence of gastric or ovarian cancer, or recurrence.","label":"Elevated"}

Cancer Antigen 72-4 (CA 72-4) is a glycoprotein that is often elevated in patients with gastric and ovarian cancers. It is primarily used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and to detect recurrence of these cancers.

The normal reference range for CA 72-4 is typically between 0–6.9 U/mL. Elevated levels may indicate the presence of cancer or the need for further diagnostic evaluation.

While CA 72-4 is not recommended as a screening tool due to its lack of sensitivity and specificity, it is valuable for monitoring disease progression and treatment response in diagnosed patients.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use of CA 72-4?
CA 72-4 is primarily used to monitor the progression and treatment response of gastric and ovarian cancers.
Can CA 72-4 be used for cancer screening?
No, CA 72-4 is not recommended for cancer screening due to its lack of sensitivity and specificity.
  1. 1
    National Cancer Institute: Tumor MarkersSource
  2. 2
    American Society of Clinical Oncology: CA 72-4Source

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy