Serum HE4 Levels Are Less Frequently Elevated Than CA125 in Women with Benign Gynecologic Disorders

Overview

Journal Am J Obstet Gynecol

Publisher Elsevier

Specialty Gynecology & Obstetrics

Date 2012 Jan 31

PMID 22284961

Citations 64

Authors

Richard G Moore

Michael Craig Miller

Margaret M Steinhoff

Steven J Skates

Karen H Lu

Geralyn Lambert-Messerlian

Robert C Bast Jr

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: The human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a novel biomarker for ovarian cancer. This study measured the HE4 and CA125 levels in women with benign gynecological disorders.

Study Design: Sera were obtained from women prior to surgery for a pelvic mass and HE4 and CA125 levels were determined. The proportions of patients with elevated biomarker levels were compared.

Results: There were 1042 women with benign disease. HE4 levels were less often elevated than CA125 (8% vs 29%, P < .001). A marked difference was observed in patients with endometriosis in which HE4 was elevated in 3% of patients and CA125 in 67% (P < .0001). Serous ovarian tumors were associated with elevated levels of HE4 in 8% of patients and CA125 in 20% (P = .0002); uterine fibroids in 8% vs 26% (P = .0083); dermoids in 1% vs 21% (P = .0004); and inflammatory disease in 10% vs 37% (P = .014).

Conclusion: HE4 is elevated less frequently than CA125 in benign disease, particularly in premenopausal patients.

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