HE4 Levels in Ovarian Cancer-Resistant Menopausal Women

Abstract

Objective : To analyse the predictive value of HE4 in ovarian cancer patients according to their resistance and menopausal status. Methods : Thirteen premenopausal and twenty-five menopausal ovarian cancer patients were measured for HE4 levels measured using automated chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay ARCHITECT HE4. Patients categorized into resistant and non-resistant after six cycles of chemotherapy in addition to their clinical symptoms and ultrasound image of cancer. Results : The mean HE4 levels were higher in the resistant group compared with a non-resistant group (274.97 pmol/l vs 128.83 pmol/l; p=0.015). Five menopausal resistant women with HE4 levels >140 pmol/l compared with two women in the non-resistant group. In the pre-menopause group, eight resistant women with HE level >70 pmol/l whereas four women in the non-resistant group. HE levels in menopausal and premenopausal for both ovarian cancers resistant and non-resistant were not significantly different (p>0.05). Conclusions : HE4 levels in resistant ovarian cancer patients are higher compared with non-resistant but do not predict ovarian cancer resistance based on patient menopausal status.