Evaluation of Serum Human Epididymis Secretory Protein 4 (HE4) in Benign Endometrial Disease and Endometrial Cancer

Abstract

Abstract Objective The incidence of endometrial cancer is constantly growing. More aggressive types of endometrial cancer as well as the incidence in younger women are being observed. More than 80% of cases are diagnosed in early stages due to early symptoms like abnormal bleeding. Aim of our study to evaluate the ability of serum HE4 concentration to differentiate between benign endometrial disease and endometrial cancer and ass’s correlation it with prognosis of EC. Material and methods Serum HE4 level was measured in 85 patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. Based on histology after curettage the study group was divided into the benign and malignant endometrial pathology groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney test Results The difference of serum HE4 level between benign endometrial pathology and cancer was significant (p = 0.000) and the cut-off for identification of patients with endometrial cancer was 62 pmol/l. There was a significant difference between Stage (I – II) endometrial cancer, and Stage (III – IV) p = 0.01, Patients who needed lymphadenectomy had significantly higher HE4 level than those who had no indications for this procedure (p = 0,001). Conclusion HE4 is a useful biomarker in diagnosing endometrial cancer. HE4 is associated with high grade endometrial cancer. It can also serve as an useful preoperative counseling tool to identify patients, who may require pelvic lymphadenectomy.