Synonyms: HE4
Related tests: CA-125
Clinical significance
HE4 (human epididymis protein 4) is a glycoprotein that is overexpressed in ovarian cancer. HE4 is more specific than CA-125, so combining the two markers makes it possible to distinguish benign from malignant ovarian disease.
Ovarian cancer is the leading cancer of the female reproductive system. Ovarian cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to tackle because, as it causes no specific symptoms, in most cases it is discovered too late, when the chances of cure are already compromised.
Early diagnosis of this cancer is therefore essential to improve the prognosis and the patient’s quality of life: if the diagnosis is made at stage I or II, five-year survival exceeds 85%, while at stages III and IV it is below 15%.
The ovarian tumour marker HE4 has proved extremely useful in distinguishing between ovarian cancer, benign ovarian cysts or masses and endometrial cancer.
Clinical indications
Screening for ovarian cancer; surveillance for recurrence; assessment of response to treatment.
Sample type
The patient must have a blood sample taken.
Preparation
You must fast for at least 8 hours; a small amount of water is allowed. You must have been standing or sitting upright for at least 30 minutes.
Notes
Some histological types of ovarian tumour (mucinous and germ cell) rarely express HE4, so this test is not advisable for monitoring patients with these types of tumour.