Human epididymis protein 4(HE4)

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Category: Genral Test

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