HE4 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE

摘要

Compositions and methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer in a patient and f or identifying patients with an increased likelihood of having ovarian cance r are provided. The compositions include monoclonal antibodies, and variants and fragments thereof, that specifically bind to HE4. Monoclonal antibodies having the binding characteristics of an HE4 antibody of the invention are further provided. Hybridoma cell lines that produce an HE4 monoclonal^ antib ody of the invention are also disclosed herein. The compositions find use in diagnostic methods as well as in screening methods for identifying patients having an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer. Kits comprising on e or more of the disclosed HE4 monoclonal antibodies and for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided. Polypeptides comprising the a mino acid sequence for an HE4 epitope and methods of using these polypeptide s in the production of antibodies are also encompassed by the present invent ion.