HE4
Also written as: HE4 — Human Epididymis Protein 4
Tumor marker protein (Human Epididymis Protein 4) elevated in ovarian cancer, used alongside CA-125 for diagnosis and monitoring.
Full Definition
HE4 (Human Epididymis Protein 4) is a glycoprotein that serves as an important tumor marker in ovarian cancer diagnosis and management. Unlike CA-125, HE4 is less frequently elevated in benign gynecologic conditions, making it a valuable complementary marker. HE4 levels are particularly useful in postmenopausal women and can help differentiate between benign and malignant pelvic masses. The protein is also used in combination with CA-125 in algorithms like ROMA (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm) to improve diagnostic accuracy. Elevated HE4 levels may also be found in endometrial cancer and other malignancies, requiring careful clinical correlation.
Usage
Usage note: HE4 should be interpreted in conjunction with CA-125 and clinical findings, not as a standalone diagnostic test.
In Context
- "The combination of elevated HE4 and CA-125 levels strongly suggested ovarian malignancy rather than a benign cyst." — Laboratory report interpretation
- "Serial HE4 monitoring showed excellent response to chemotherapy with normalization of tumor marker levels." — Treatment response assessment