HE4 | Ovarian Cancer Marker (Human Epididymis Protein 4)

HE4 (Human Epididymis Protein 4) is a tumor marker used for the diagnosis and monitoring of epithelial ovarian cancer. The test helps assess disease recurrence or progression in patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer and is also used for cancer risk assessment when pelvic masses are found.

HE4 is highly sensitive, especially in early, asymptomatic stages of epithelial ovarian cancer, making it particularly useful as an additional marker for early diagnosis. The test is recommended alongside CA 125 as their combination is used to calculate the ROMA (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm) index, which helps assess ovarian cancer risk in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Test Principle: HE4 concentration is determined by an immunochemiluminescent method from venous blood. Results are presented in pmol/l units. To assess cancer risk, the ROMA algorithm, which includes HE4 and CA 125 values along with a woman's menopause status, is used.

Recommendations:

• Recommended for patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer for disease monitoring.
• Useful for assessing potential tumor recurrence or progression post-treatment.
• Prescribed for women with identified pelvic masses to assess cancer risk.
• Performed alongside CA 125, calculating the ROMA index in both premenopausal and postmenopausal patients.
• It is recommended to arrive for the test fasting for at least 12 hours.