HE 4

General information:

Тumor marker for ovarian carcinoma HE4 belongs to the family of acid glycoprotein with a low molecular mass (20-25 kD), which is expressed by the normal tissue of the female reproductive system - fallopian tubes, endometrium, endocervix, as well as in the epithelium of the respiratory tract and the breast. Elevated values of HE4 can be found mainly in ovarian tumor.

Interestingly, different types of ovarian carcinoma express HE4 to varying degrees:

• 100% in endometrial carcinoma;
• 93% in serous carcinoma;
• 50% in "clear cell" carcinoma.

Also in lung, colon and breast tumors. A number of sources define HE4 as the most effective tumor marker for diagnosis in the early stages of ovarian carcinoma. In the combined determination of CA 125 and HE4, a much higher diagnostic sensitivity is achieved, especially in the initial stages of the disease.

Determination of HE4 is recommended in the following cases:

• as an additional marker along with CA 125 in the course of the diagnosis of adnexal tumors;
• in patients with a bulky formation in the small pelvis (ovarian cysts, benign neoplasms of neighboring organs);
• in the case of a diagnosed ovarian tumor in order to control the therapeutic actions, relapse or progression of the disease, specifically in patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma;
• from differentiation of ovarian carcinoma from ovarian endometriotic cyst.
  

Sample required:

Venous blood in morning in fasting

Key words:

HE 4