Tumor associated antigens or anti-TAA autoantibodies as biomarkers in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to outline and summarize known tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) or anti-TAA autoantibodies and their diagnostic values in ovarian cancer (OC). METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in two databases. Data were independently extracted and reviewed by two junior investigators and the disagreement was further resolved by consulting one of the senior investigators. RESULTS: Sixty publications reporting 113 different TAAs or anti-TAA autoantibodies were included. The majority of the studies were conducted in western countries. CA125, p53 and HE4 were the most frequently tested TAAs in OC. Meta-analysis showed that there was a significant association between serum anti-p53 autoantibody and increased risk of OC. CONCLUSION: Serum TAAs or anti-TAA autoantibodies are promising diagnostic biomarkers in the detection of OC. A customized mini-array of multiple TAAs may enhance the detection of anti-TAA autoantibodies in OC. Additional studies with sufficient number of OC patients and carefully selected controls are needed to further verify the results.