A combined strategy of TK1, HE4 and CA125 shows better diagnostic performance than Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) in ovarian carcinoma.

Abstract Background The dual marker algorithm Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) has been widely used in the clinic for the identification of equivocal pelvic masses in ovarian carcinoma. To obtain higher diagnostic efficiency, we created a new diagnostic index, Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Index (ROMI), by combing thymidine kinase 1 (TK1), HE4 and CA125. Methods 335 patients with pelvic masses on imaging and 46 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum TK1 was analyzed before further study. ROMI and ROMA were evaluated for diagnostic efficiency. Results The level of TK1 was elevated in malignant ovarian tumors compared to benign masses (p Conclusions TK1 is a potential biomarker in detection of ovarian carcinoma. ROMI shows better diagnostic performance than ROMA in distinguishing malignant ovarian tumors from benign masses.