Diagnostic Value of HE4, CA125 and Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm in Detecting Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Objectives: Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer related death in women. Diagnostic techniques to detect ovarian cancer in the earlier stages are likely to improve prognosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate a novel serum tumor marker HE4 in comparison with CA125 and the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) in patient with ovarian malignancy and benign tumors. Materials and Methods: CA125, HE4, ROMA were determined in 33 patients with ovarian cancer and in 67 patients with benign tumors. CA125, HE4 cut offs were 35 U/ml and 70 pM, respectively. ROMA algorithm cut off was 13.1% and 27.7% for pre-menopausal or post-menopausal women, respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS19 software; and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: In this study, serum level of CA125, HE4 and ROMA were higher in patients with ovarian cancer than benign tumors ( P <.001). Area under the ROC curve for CA125, HE4 and ROMA were 82.4%, 84.01% and 82.4%, respectively. The differences were not significant. Conclusion: The median CA125, HE4 and ROMA serum levels differed significantly between benign and malignant cases. Although the initial reports were promising, measurement of HE4 and ROMA did not increase the detection of malignant diseases compared with CA125 alone.