Treatment of tumor-induced hypercalcemia: a solved problem?
Less than 25 years ago, tumor-induced hypercalcemia was often a lethal complication of cancer. Nowadays, it can be successfully and easily treated in at least 90% of the cases by rehydration and potent antiosteoclastic bisphosphonates. The standard therapy consists of the administration of 90 mg of pamidronate (Aredia Dry Powder) or more recently, 4 mg of zoledronic acid (Zometa)], which is even more efficient, at least in patients without bone metastases. Recurrent hypercalcemia is nevertheless difficult to control and antibodies against parathyroid-hormone-related protein may prove to be a useful treatment.
Body
Jean-Jacques
JJ
Supportive Care Clinic, Institut J Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. jj.body@bordet.be
Mancini
Isabelle
I
D006801:Humans; D006934:Hypercalcemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*