HE4 with ROMA Index, Serum

The risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) incorporates cancer antigen 125 (CA125), human epididymal protein 4 (HE4), and menopausal status to assign women that present with an adnexal mass into a high-risk or low-risk group for finding an ovarian malignancy. 

Human Epithelial 4 (HE4) is a protein that is produced by cells in the ovaries and the lining of the respiratory tract. It is often elevated in women with ovarian cancer and can be used as a biomarker for the disease. CA125 is another protein that is often elevated in women with ovarian cancer, but it can also be elevated in women with other conditions, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

The ROMA index is a mathematical formula that combines the levels of HE4 and CA125 in the blood to estimate the risk of ovarian cancer. The ROMA index takes into account the age of the woman and whether she has reached menopause.

Associated Tests:

Cancer marker profile-Ovarian-Comprehensive

Ovarian Marker Profile

Written by: Supriya Kulkarni, Lead-Content & Training