HUMAN EPIDIDYMIS PROTEIN 4 (HE-4)
🎗️ Ovarian Cancer Marker📋 Test Specifications
- Report Turnaround: 3rd Working Day.
- Sample Required: Serum (Blood Sample).
- Methodology: CMIA / ECLIA (High Precision).
- Fasting Required: No.
- Test Category: Tumor Marker.
What is the HE-4 Test?
Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE-4) is a protein that is produced by most ovarian cancer cells. This test measures the amount of HE-4 in your blood.
While the CA-125 test has been the gold standard for ovarian cancer monitoring for years, HE-4 is a newer, highly sensitive marker. It is particularly useful because, unlike CA-125, HE-4 levels are less likely to be falsely elevated by non-cancerous conditions.
🔴 Why is it prescribed?
Oncologists and Gynecologists use this test to:
- Monitor Treatment: To check if chemotherapy is working for ovarian cancer.
- Detect Recurrence: Rising levels can indicate the cancer is coming back.
- Risk Assessment: To differentiate between a benign cyst/mass and ovarian cancer in women with pelvic masses (often used alongside CA-125).
HE-4 vs. CA-125: Which is better?
HE-4 complements CA-125; it doesn't necessarily replace it. However, HE-4 has a major advantage:
CA-125 often rises due to benign conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or even menstruation. HE-4 is much more specific to cancer and rarely rises in these benign conditions. This makes HE-4 superior for ruling out false positives.
🔬 The ROMA Score
Often, doctors calculate a ROMA Score (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm). This is a calculation that combines your HE-4 result + CA-125 result + Menopausal Status to give a precise risk prediction of ovarian cancer.
Test Procedure
- Collection: A standard blood draw from the arm.
- Preparation: No fasting or special preparation is needed.
- Timing: Can be done at any time of the menstrual cycle, though inform your doctor about your cycle phase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No single blood test can diagnose cancer by itself. HE-4 is used to assess risk or monitor existing cancer. A diagnosis usually requires imaging (ultrasound/CT) and a biopsy.
No, you can eat and drink normally before the test.
The report is generated by the 3rd Working Day following the sample collection.
Disclaimer: Elevated HE-4 levels do not necessarily mean cancer. Results must be interpreted by an Oncologist in conjunction with other clinical findings.