In 37 patients with ovarian carcinoma stages Ic to IV the values of preoperatively determined tumour markers and the values of the follow-ups were examined in a trial to observe the course of the disease. The following sensitivity was recorded: Ca 125 92%, D-dimer 100%, TPA 76%, CEA 29%, CA 19-9 15%. Ca 125, D-dimer and TPA are unsuitable as follow-ups. They are also detectable in ascites.