Human epididymis protein 4(HE4)

Overview

What is HE 4?

The HE 4 test or the Human Epididymis Protein 4 test, is an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (antigen (Ag) -antibody (Ab) reaction quantified by light emission generated during Ag-Ab chemical reaction) performed to monitor the treatment progress of epithelial ovarian cancer and for detecting any recurrence of the condition. Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a protein that is produced by most, but not all, epithelial ovarian cancer cells. This makes the test useful as a tumor marker in specific circumstances

Why is HE 4 done?

• After diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer before the start of the treatment
• At regular intervals during the ongoing treatment to monitor progress of treatment
• After the condition is cured to check for recurrence