The HE4 + ROMA test is a combined screening approach used to help assess the risk of ovarian cancer. The test involves measuring the levels of the HE4 protein (Human Epididymis Protein 4) in the blood along with calculating the ROMA (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm) score. This test is particularly useful for evaluating women with pelvic masses or other symptoms that could suggest ovarian cancer.

Key Components:

1. HE4 (Human Epididymis Protein 4):

• HE4 is a protein that is often elevated in women with ovarian cancer, particularly epithelial ovarian cancer (the most common type). It is produced by the epithelial cells of the ovaries and can help detect cancer, especially in its early stages.
• HE4 can be elevated in other cancers (e.g., endometrial cancer, lung cancer) and benign conditions, but its levels are more consistently high in ovarian cancer.

2. ROMA (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm):

• ROMA is an algorithm that combines HE4 levels, CA 125 levels (another ovarian cancer marker), and menopausal status to assess a woman’s risk of having an ovarian malignancy. It provides a score that helps doctors determine whether further diagnostic testing (such as an ultrasound or biopsy) is needed.
• The ROMA score stratifies the risk into low or high categories for ovarian cancer, helping guide clinical decision-making.