Human Epididymal Protein 4 (HE4), in Visit Clinic

HE4 is not diagnostic alone; thresholds vary by assay and menopausal status. Commonly used cutoffs are about 70 pmol/L for premenopausal women and about 140–150 pmol/L for postmenopausal women; values above these raise concern and, with CA‑125 or the ROMA score, increase the likelihood of ovarian cancer. Interpretation requires clinical context and specialist assessment.

Yes, HE4 is human epididymis protein 4 (gene WFDC2). Initially identified in the epididymis, it is expressed in other tissues and serves as a circulating tumor marker, especially for ovarian cancer diagnosis and monitoring. HE4 is often combined with CA‑125 and risk algorithms; elevated levels can suggest malignancy but require clinical correlation and further testing.

HE4 (human epididymis protein 4) rises most commonly with epithelial ovarian and endometrial cancers, but can also be elevated in other malignancies. Non-cancer causes include reduced kidney function (impaired clearance), older age, and smoking; levels may also increase with some benign inflammatory or gynecologic conditions. Because renal function and age affect HE4, results are interpreted alongside clinical context and other tests.

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), encoded by WFDC2, is a secreted WAP‑domain glycoprotein. It likely functions as a protease inhibitor involved in innate immunity and antimicrobial defense, and may affect tissue remodeling, cell adhesion, proliferation and motility. HE4 is often overexpressed in ovarian and some other tumors and is used clinically as a circulating biomarker to aid detection and monitoring.

Level 4 (stage IV) cancer means the disease has spread from its original site to distant organs or lymph nodes, representing advanced metastatic cancer. It's usually not curable but often treatable to control growth, relieve symptoms and extend life. Specific outlook and treatments—systemic therapy, targeted drugs, radiation, surgery, and palliative care—depend on cancer type, location and patient health.

“Good” cancer‑antigen levels depend on the specific marker and lab. Generally, values within the laboratory’s normal reference range are considered reassuring—for example CA‑125 <35 U/mL, CA19‑9 <37 U/mL, CEA <3 ng/mL in non‑smokers (≤5 ng/mL in smokers), and PSA commonly <4 ng/mL (age‑adjusted). Trends over time and clinical context matter more than a single value; discuss results with your clinician.