Hypercalcemia overview

Table of Contents Downloaded from National Cancer Institute May 2010 - unknown date http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/hypercalcemia/healthprofessional/allpages Purpose of This PDQ Summary Overview Normal Calcium Homeostasis         Hormonal influences         Renal function         Bone resorption Mechanisms of Cancer-associated Hypercalcemia Potentiating Factors Incidence by Cancer Type Manifestations Neurologic Symptoms Cardiovascular Symptoms Gastrointestinal Symptoms Renal Symptoms Bone Symptoms Assessment Laboratory Assessment         Laboratory studies Patient assessment Decision to Treat Hypercalcemia Management Prevention Managing Hypercalcemia Mild Hypercalcemia Moderate to Severe Hypercalcemia Pharmacologic Inhibition of Osteoclastic Bone Resorption         Bisphosphonates         Calcitonin         Plicamycin         Gallium nitrate Other Therapeutics for Hypercalcemia         Glucocorticoids         Phosphate         Dialysis         Prostaglandin synthesis Inhibitors         Cisplatin Patient and Family Education Supportive Care Psychosocial Management         Management of hypercalcemia Prognosis Current Clinical Trials Get More Information From NCI Changes to This Summary (04/13/2010) Questions or Comments About This Summary More Information Purpose of This PDQ Summary This PDQ cancer information summary provides comprehensive, peer-reviewed information for health professionals about the pathophysiology and treatment of hypercalcemia. This information is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary by the PDQ Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board. Information about the following is included in this summary: Etiology. Assessment. Management. This summary is intended as a resource to inform and assist clinicians and other health professionals who care for cancer patients during and after cancer treatment. It does not provide formal guidelines or recommendations for making health care decisions. Information in this summary should not be used as a basis for reimbursement determinations. Some of the reference citations in this summary are accompanied by a level-of-evidence designation. These designations are intended to help readers assess the strength of the evidence supporting the use of specific interventions or approaches. The PDQ Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board uses a formal evidence ranking system in developing its level-of-evidence designations. The levels focus primarily on the strength of a study's design as appropriate to the questions being investigated. These levels should be easily understood by health professionals and serve as a starting point for discussing the strength of study results. These classifications should not be used as a basis for reimbursement determinations. This summary is also available in a patient version, which is written in less technical language, and in Spanish. Back to Top Overview Hypercalcemia is the most common life-threatening metabolic disorder associated with neoplastic diseases, occurring in an estimated 10% to 20% of all adults with cancer. It also occurs in children with cancer, but with much less frequency (approximately 0.5%–1%).[1-3] Solid tumors (such as lung or breast cancer tumors) as well as certain hematologic malignancies (particularly multiple myeloma) are most frequently associated with hypercalcemia.[4] Although early diagnosis followed by hydration and treatment with agents that decrease serum calcium concentrations (hypocalcemic drugs) can produce symptomatic improvements within a few days, diagnosis may be complicated because symptoms may be insidious at onset and can be confused with those of many malignant and nonmalignant diseases. However, diagnosis and timely interventions not only are lifesaving in the short term but also may enhance the patient’s compliance with primary and supportive treatments and may improve quality of life.[5] When a patient has a refractory, widely disseminated malignancy for which specific therapy is no longer being pursued, the patient may want to consider withholding therapy for hypercalcemia. For patients or families who have expressed their wishes regarding end-of-life issues, this may represent a preferred timing and/or mode of death (as compared with a more prolonged death from advancing metastatic disease). This option is best considered long before the onset of severe hypercalcemia or other metabolic abnormalities that impair cognition, so that the patient may be involved in the decision making. Normal Calcium Homeostasis Hormonal influences Calcium homeostasis is maintained by two hormones, parathormone (parathyroid hormone or PTH) and calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D). Minute-to-minute regulation of serum-ionized calcium is regulated by PTH. PTH secretion is stimulated when ambient serum-ionized calcium is decreased. PTH acts on peripheral target cell receptors, increasing the efficiency of renal tubular calcium reabsorption. In addition, PTH enhances calcium resorption from mineralized bone and stimulates conversion of vitamin D to its active form, calcitriol, which subsequently increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Pharmacologic doses of calcitonin act as an antagonist to PTH, lowering serum calcium and phosphorus and inhibiting bone reabsorption. Renal function Normal, healthy kidneys are capable of filtering large amounts of calcium, which is subsequently reclaimed by tubular reabsorption. The kidneys are capable of increasing calcium excretion nearly fivefold to maintain homeostatic serum calcium concentrations. Hypercalcemia may occur, however, when the concentration of calcium present in the extracellular fluid overwhelms the kidneys’ compensatory mechanisms. Although calcium reabsorption is linked to sodium and fluid reabsorption in the proximal renal tubules, fine regulation occurs in the distal renal tubules primarily under the influence of PTH. Tumors that are capable of producing a substance similar to normal PTH such as PTH-related peptide (refer to the Mechanisms of Cancer-associated Hypercalcemia section of this summary) drive the renal tubules to increase calcium reabsorption. Under these circumstances, hypercalcemia and high calcium concentrations in urine (hypercalciuria) impair sodium and water reabsorption, causing polyuria (a calcium diuresis) with subsequent loss of circulating fluid volume (dehydration). As a consequence of dehydration, renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate decrease and proximal tubular calcium and sodium reabsorption increase, leading to further increases in serum calcium concentrations. Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting associated with loss of circulating fluid volume exacerbate dehydration.[6] Immobilization caused by weakness and lethargy may exacerbate calcium resorption from bone. The kidneys may be irreversibly compromised if the concentration of calcium in the glomerular filtrate exceeds its solubility, resulting in calcium precipitation in the renal tubules (nephrocalcinosis). Bone resorption In healthy adults before midlife, bone formation and resorption are in dynamic balance primarily through the activity of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and osteoclasts (bone-reabsorbing cells). Even though 99% of total body calcium is contained in bone, bone seems to have a minor function in the daily maintenance of plasma calcium levels. The normal daily exchange between bone and extracellular fluid is quite small.[7] Mechanisms of Cancer-associated Hypercalcemia The fundamental cause of cancer-induced hypercalcemia is increased bone resorption with calcium mobilization into the extracellular fluid and, secondarily, inadequate renal calcium clearance. Two types of cancer-induced hypercalcemia have been described: osteolytic hypercalcemia and humoral hypercalcemia. Osteolytic hypercalcemia results from direct bone destruction by primary or metastatic tumor. Humoral hypercalcemia is mediated by circulating factors secreted by malignant cells without evidence of bony disease.[8,9] It is believed that hypercalcemia results from the release of factors by malignant cells that ultimately cause calcium reabsorption from bone.[4] One such factor is a PTH-like protein known as parathyroid hormone–related protein or peptide (PTHrP). PTHrP is a primitive protein that appears to have important roles in calcium transport and developmental biology. It shares partial amino acid sequence and conformational homology with normal PTH; binds with the same receptors on skeletal and renal target tissues; and affects calcium and phosphate homeostasis, as does PTH.[9-11] Increased blood levels of PTHrP have been found in patients with solid tumors but not in patients with hematologic malignancies who develop hypercalcemia.[4] Circulating growth factors may also mediate hypercalcemia. Potential mediators include transforming growth factor-alpha and -beta, interleukin-1 and -6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and -beta.[12] Potentiating Factors Immobility is associated with an increase in resorption of calcium from bone. Dehydration, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting that exacerbate dehydration reduce renal calcium excretion. Hormonal therapy (estrogens, antiestrogens, androgens, and progestins) may precipitate hypercalcemia. Thiazide diuretics increase renal calcium reabsorption and may precipitate or exacerbate hypercalcemia.[13] Hematologic malignancies may stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption through the production of cytokines such as TNF-alpha and -beta and interleukin-1 and -6, formerly referred to as osteoclast-activating factor(s).[7,9,14] References McKay C, Furman WL: Hypercalcemia complicating childhood malignancies. Cancer 72 (1): 256-60, 1993.  PUBMED Abstract   Leblanc A, Caillaud JM, Hartmann O, et al.: Hypercalcemia preferentially occurs in unusual forms of childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and Wilms' tumor. A study of 11 cases. Cancer 54 (10): 2132-6, 1984.  PUBMED Abstract   Kerdudo C, Aerts I, Fattet S, et al.: Hypercalcemia and childhood cancer: a 7-year experience. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 27 (1): 23-7, 2005.  PUBMED Abstract   Warrell RP Jr: Metabolic emergencies. In: DeVita VT Jr, Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, eds.: Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott-Raven Publishers, 1997, pp 2486-93.    Theriault RL: Hypercalcemia of malignancy: pathophysiology and implications for treatment. Oncology (Huntingt) 7 (1): 47-50; discussion 52-5, 1993.  PUBMED Abstract   Mundy GR, Ibbotson KJ, D'Souza SM, et al.: The hypercalcemia of cancer. Clinical implications and pathogenic mechanisms. N Engl J Med 310 (26): 1718-27, 1984.  PUBMED Abstract   Mundy GR: Pathophysiology of cancer-associated hypercalcemia. Semin Oncol 17 (2 Suppl 5): 10-5, 1990.  PUBMED Abstract   Mundy GR, Martin TJ: The hypercalcemia of malignancy: pathogenesis and management. Metabolism 31 (12): 1247-77, 1982.  PUBMED Abstract   Broadus AE, Mangin M, Ikeda K, et al.: Humoral hypercalcemia of cancer. Identification of a novel parathyroid hormone-like peptide. N Engl J Med 319 (9): 556-63, 1988.  PUBMED Abstract   Horiuchi N, Caulfield MP, Fisher JE, et al.: Similarity of synthetic peptide from human tumor to parathyroid hormone in vivo and in vitro. Science 238 (4833): 1566-8, 1987.  PUBMED Abstract   Suva LJ, Winslow GA, Wettenhall RE, et al.: A parathyroid hormone-related protein implicated in malignant hypercalcemia: cloning and expression. Science 237 (4817): 893-6, 1987.  PUBMED Abstract   Dodwell DJ: Malignant bone resorption: cellular and biochemical mechanisms. Ann Oncol 3 (4): 257-67, 1992.  PUBMED Abstract   Coleman RE: Bisphosphonate treatment of bone metastases and hypercalcemia of malignancy. Oncology (Huntingt) 5 (8): 55-60; discussion 60-2, 65, 1991.  PUBMED Abstract   Warrell RP Jr: Etiology and current management of cancer-related hypercalcemia. Oncology (Huntingt) 6 (10): 37-43; discussion 43, 47-50, 1992.  PUBMED Abstract   Back to Top Incidence by Cancer Type Hypercalcemia occurs more frequently in some malignancies (e.g., squamous cell cancers of the lung, head, neck, and esophagus) than in others. Within each disease type, the incidence of hypercalcemia varies greatly in reported series. The frequency of hypercalcemia in some of the commonly involved neoplastic disorders is shown in Table 1. Table 1. Incidence of Hypercalcemia by Tumor Typea Enlarge Tumor Type  Percentage of Patients Who Develop Hypercalcemia  aAdapted from Lang-Kummer.[1] Lung 27.3 Breast 25.7 Multiple myeloma 7.3 Head and neck 6.9 Unknown primary 4.7 Lymphoma/leukemia 4.3 Renal 4.3 Gastrointestinal 4.1 References Lang-Kummer J: Hypercalcemia. In: Groenwald SL, Goodman M, Frogge MH, et al., eds.: Cancer Nursing: Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 1997, pp 684-701.    Back to Top Manifestations There is little correlation between the presenting symptoms of hypercalcemia and serum calcium concentrations. Rapid diagnosis of hypercalcemia may be complicated because symptoms associated with hypercalcemia are characteristically nonspecific and are easily attributed to chronic or terminal illness.[1,2] Symptom severity may be caused in part by confounding factors such as previous cancer treatment, drug disease-state interactions, or comorbid pathologies. Few patients experience all the symptoms that have been associated with hypercalcemia (see Table 2), and some patients may not experience any symptoms. Patients with corrected total serum calcium concentrations higher than 14 mg/dL (>7.0 mEq/L or 3.49 mmol/L) are generally symptomatic.[1] It must be emphasized that clinical manifestations are closely related to the rapidity of hypercalcemia onset. Some patients develop signs and symptoms when calcium is only slightly elevated, while others with long-standing hypercalcemia may tolerate serum calcium levels higher than 13 mg/dL (>6.5 mEq/L or 3.24 mmol/L) with few symptoms. Neuromuscular manifestations are generally more marked in older patients than in young patients. One author observed that malaise and fatigue were the most common complaints at patient presentation, followed by (in order of decreasing prevalence rate) varying degrees of obtundation, anorexia, pain, polyuria-polydipsia, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.[3] Table 2. Symptom Prevalence Among Patients Treated for Hypercalcemia of Malignancy Stratified by Corrected Serum Total Calcium Concentrations at Presentationa Enlarge Symptoms  Prevalence (%) by Serum Calcium Concentration  aAdapted from Ralston et al.[3]   <3.5 mmol/L ?3.5 mmol/L Central nervous system symptoms 41 80 Constipation 21 25 Malaise-fatigue 65 50 Anorexia 47 59 Nausea and/or vomiting 22 30 Polyuria and/or polydipsia 34 35 Pain 51 35 Clinical manifestations can be categorized according to body systems and functions. Neurologic Symptoms Calcium ions have a major role in neurotransmission. Increased calcium levels decrease neuromuscular excitability, which leads to hypotonicity in smooth and striated muscle. Symptom severity correlates directly with the magnitude of serum-ionized calcium concentrations and inversely with their rate of change. Neuromuscular symptoms include weakness and diminished deep-tendon reflexes. Muscle strength is impaired, and respiratory muscular capacity may be decreased. Central nervous system impairment may manifest as delirium with prominent symptoms of personality change, cognitive dysfunction, disorientation, incoherent speech, and psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Obtundation is progressive as serum calcium concentrations increase and may progress to stupor or coma.[1,2] Local neurologic signs are not common, but hypercalcemia has been documented to increase cerebrospinal fluid protein, which may be associated with headache. Headache can be exacerbated by vomiting and dehydration.[2] Abnormal electroencephalograms are seen in patients with marked hypercalcemia.[1] Cardiovascular Symptoms Hypercalcemia is associated with increased myocardial contractility and irritability. Electrocardiographic changes are characterized by slowed conduction, including prolonged P-R interval, widened QRS complex, shortened Q-T interval, shortened or absent S-T segments, and possibly abrupt sloping and early peaking of the proximal limb of T waves. Hypercalcemia enhances patients’ sensitivity to the pharmacologic effects of digitalis glycosides (e.g., digoxin). When serum calcium concentrations exceed 16 mg/dL (>8.0 mEq/L or 3.99 mmol/L), T waves widen, secondarily increasing the Q-T interval. As calcium concentrations increase, bradyarrhythmias and bundle branch block may develop. Incomplete or complete atrioventricular block may develop at serum concentrations around 18 mg/dL (9.0 mEq/L or 4.49 mmol/L) and may progress to complete heart block, asystole, and cardiac arrest.[1,2] Gastrointestinal Symptoms Gastrointestinal symptoms are probably related to the depressive action of hypercalcemia on the autonomic nervous system and resulting smooth-muscle hypotonicity. Increased gastric acid secretion often accompanies hypercalcemia and may intensify gastrointestinal manifestations. Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are intensified by increased gastric residual volume. Constipation is aggravated by dehydration that accompanies hypercalcemia. Abdominal pain may progress to obstipation and can be confused with acute abdominal obstruction. Renal Symptoms Hypercalcemia causes a reversible tubular defect in the kidney, resulting in the loss of urinary concentrating ability and polyuria. Decreased fluid intake and polyuria lead to symptoms associated with dehydration, including thirst, dry mucosa, diminished or absent sweating, poor skin turgor, and concentrated urine. Decreased proximal reabsorption of sodium, magnesium, and potassium occur as a result of salt and water depletion that is caused by cellular dehydration and hypotension. Renal insufficiency may occur as a result of diminished glomerular filtration, a complication observed most often in patients with myeloma. Although nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis are usually not associated with hypercalcemia of malignancy, calcium phosphate crystals can precipitate within renal tubules to form renal calculi as a consequence of long-standing hypercalciuria. When they occur, coexisting primary hyperparathyroidism should be considered. Bone Symptoms Hypercalcemia of malignancy can result from osteolytic metastases or humerally mediated bone resorption with secondary fractures, skeletal deformities, and pain. References Bajorunas DR: Clinical manifestations of cancer-related hypercalcemia. Semin Oncol 17 (2 Suppl 5): 16-25, 1990.  PUBMED Abstract   Mahon SM: Signs and symptoms associated with malignancy-induced hypercalcemia. Cancer Nurs 12 (3): 153-60, 1989.  PUBMED Abstract   Ralston SH, Gallacher SJ, Patel U, et al.: Cancer-associated hypercalcemia: morbidity and mortality. Clinical experience in 126 treated patients. Ann Intern Med 112 (7): 499-504, 1990.  PUBMED Abstract   Back to Top Assessment Laboratory Assessment Normal serum calcium levels are maintained within narrow and constant limits, approximately 9.0 to 10.3 mg/dL (= 4.5–5.2 mEq/L or 2.25–2.57 mmol/L) for men and 8.9 to 10.2 mg/dL (= 4.4–5.1 mEq/L or 2.22–2.54 mmol/L) for women. Symptoms of hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia are caused by abnormalities in the ionized fraction of the plasma calcium concentration; however, ionized calcium levels are rarely checked routinely in clinical laboratories. The total plasma calcium is used to infer the ionized calcium fraction and is usually accurate, except in the setting of hypoalbuminemia. Because hypoalbuminemia is not uncommon among patients with cancer, it is necessary to correct the total plasma calcium concentration for the percent of calcium that would have been measured if the albumin level were within normal range. The calculation is as follows: total serum calcium corrected for albumin level: (normal albumin – patient’s albumin) × 0.8 + patient’s measured total calcium This calculated value is fairly accurate, except in the presence of elevated serum paraproteins, such as in multiple myeloma. In this case, laboratory measurement of the actual ionized calcium concentration may be necessary.[1] Calcium also binds to globulins in blood. In contrast with hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia has a relatively small effect on calcium protein binding. Serum total calcium concentration can be corrected for changes in globulins as follows: total serum calcium concentration varies directly by 0.16 mg/dL, 0.08 mEq/L, or 0.04 mmol/L with each 1 g/dL change in globulin concentration. In clinical practice, changes in serum globulin concentrations rarely effect clinically significant changes in the ionized calcium fraction. Acid-base status also affects the interpretation of serum calcium values. While acidosis decreases the protein-bound fraction (consequently increasing the ionized calcium fraction), alkalosis increases protein binding. Serum total calcium concentration can be corrected for changes in pH as follows: total serum calcium concentration varies inversely by 0.12 mg/dL, 0.06 mEq/L, or 0.03 mmol/L with each 0.1 unit change in pH. Unlike changes in serum albumin concentration, alterations in blood pH rarely effect clinically significant changes in the ionized calcium fraction.[2] Laboratory studies It is important to measure the serum calcium and albumin concentrations. Other selected tests (as shown below) may be useful in some instances: Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations (renal function).

Immunoreactive parathormone (iPTH):

iPTH concentration is increased or rarely normal in hyperparathyroid disease. iPTH is typically decreased or undetectable in hypercalcemia of malignancy.

 

Parathyroid hormone–related peptide (if available).

 

Serum 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D concentration in patients with hematologic malignancies.

 

Other serum electrolyte concentrations (phosphate, magnesium).

 

Patient assessment

Primary assessment should include the following:[3,4]

• History:
  • How rapidly have symptoms developed? Symptoms of malignancy are usually present when hypercalcemia is caused by cancer. Rapid symptom onset is more typical of hypercalcemia of malignancy than hypercalcemia associated with hyperparathyroidism and other diseases.
  • Is there radiographic evidence of primary or metastatic bony disease?
  • Has the patient recently received treatment with tamoxifen or estrogenic or androgenic steroids?
  • Is the patient taking digoxin?
  • Is there an exogenous calcium source such as intravenous fluids or parenteral nutrition?
  • Is the patient receiving thiazide diuretics, vitamin A, vitamin D, or lithium?
  • Is there concurrent disease predisposing to dehydration or immobility?
  • Are there potentially effective treatments for the patient’s underlying malignancy?

 

Clinical status (refer to the Manifestations section of this summary): Neuromuscular (evaluate muscular strength, muscle tone, and decreased deep-tendon reflexes). Neurologic (fatigue, apathy, depression, confusion, or restlessness). Cardiovascular (hypertension, electrocardiogram changes, arrhythmias, or digitalis toxicity). Renal (urine output polyuria, nocturia, glucosuria, or polydipsia). Gastrointestinal (anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, decreased bowel sounds, or abdominal distention). Miscellaneous (musculoskeletal pain or pruritus).

 

Decision to Treat Hypercalcemia

The decision to correct clinical hypercalcemia must be considered within the context of therapeutic goals as determined by the patient, the caregivers, and the medical staff. The natural course of untreated hypercalcemia is well known to clinicians: As with hepatic or metabolic encephalopathy, untreated hypercalcemia will progress to loss of consciousness and coma. This clinical course may be desirable at the end of life in patients with intractable suffering and/or unmanageable symptoms when no further active treatment is available or desired for reversal of the primary disease process.

References

1. Beers MH, Berkow R, eds.: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 17th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1999. 
    
2. Bajorunas DR: Clinical manifestations of cancer-related hypercalcemia. Semin Oncol 17 (2 Suppl 5): 16-25, 1990.  PUBMED Abstract
    
3. Calafato A, Jessup AL: Body fluid composition, alteration in: hypercalcemia. In: McNally JC, Somerville ET, Miaskowski C, et al., eds.: Guidelines for Oncology Nursing Practice. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Company, 1991, pp 397-401. 
    
4. Coward DD: Hypercalcemia knowledge assessment in patients at risk of developing cancer-induced hypercalcemia. Oncol Nurs Forum 15 (4): 471-6, 1988 Jul-Aug.  PUBMED Abstract
    

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Management

Note: Some citations in the text of this section are followed by a level of evidence. The PDQ Editorial Boards use a formal ranking system to help the reader judge the strength of evidence linked to the reported results of a therapeutic strategy. (Refer to the PDQ summary on Levels of Evidence for more information.)

Prevention

Individuals at risk of developing hypercalcemia may be the first to recognize symptoms such as fatigue. Patients should be advised about the ways in which hypercalcemia most frequently manifests itself and should also be given guidelines for seeking professional intervention. Preventive measures include ensuring adequate fluid intake of 3 to 4 L (100–140 fl oz per day if not contraindicated) and salt intake, nausea and vomiting control, encouraging patient mobility, attention to febrile episodes, and cautious use or elimination of drugs that may complicate management. This includes drugs that inhibit urinary calcium excretion or decrease renal blood flow, as well as medications that contain calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, or other retinoids.[1]

Even though the gut has a role in normal calcium homeostasis, absorption is usually diminished in individuals with hypercalcemia, making dietary calcium restriction unnecessary.

Managing Hypercalcemia

Symptomatic treatment of hypercalcemia focuses first on correcting dehydration and enhancing renal calcium excretion, followed by specific hypocalcemic treatment with agents that inhibit bone resorption (e.g., calcitonin, bisphosphonates, gallium nitrate, and plicamycin).[2,3] Definitive treatment is that which effectively treats the malignant disease underlying hypercalcemia.[4] At one time, hypercalcemia was treated with aggressive intravenous hydration using isotonic saline followed by the administration of a diuretic. This volume expansion and natriuresis was performed to increase renal blood flow and enhance calcium excretion. This approach is not very effective in correcting hypercalcemia and can lead to complications of fluid overload. Intravenous fluid should be administered to correct water loss associated with calciuresis and dehydration due to vomiting. Administration of diuretics should be restricted to balancing urine output in patients who have been adequately rehydrated.[1]

The magnitude of hypercalcemia and the severity of symptoms typically form the basis for determining whether treatment is indicated. Immediate aggressive hypocalcemic treatment is warranted in patients with a corrected total serum calcium level higher than 14 mg/dL (>7 mEq/L or 3.5 mmol/L). In patients with a total corrected serum calcium concentration between 12 and 14 mg/dL (6–7 mEq/L or 3.0–3.5 mmol/L), clinical manifestations should guide the type of therapy and the urgency with which it is implemented.[2] Treatment response is indicated by resolution of symptoms attributable to hypercalcemia and by diminishing serum calcium concentrations and urinary calcium and hydroxyproline excretion.

Aggressive treatment is not generally indicated in patients with mild hypercalcemia (corrected total serum calcium level lower than 12 mg/dL [<6 mEq/L or 3.0 mmol/L]). Clear treatment decisions are problematic for patients with mild hypercalcemia and coexistent central nervous system symptoms, especially for younger patients in whom hypercalcemia is generally better tolerated. It is very important to evaluate other causes for altered central nervous system function before attributing them solely to hypercalcemia.[2]

Treatment can provide marked improvement of distressing symptoms. Polyuria, polydipsia, central nervous system symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and constipation are more likely to be managed successfully than are anorexia, malaise, and fatigue. Pain control may be improved for some patients who achieve normocalcemia.[5][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III] Effective calcium-lowering therapy usually improves symptoms, enhances the quality of life, and may allow patients to be managed in a subacute, ambulatory, or home care setting.

After normocalcemia is achieved, serum calcium should be monitored serially, with the frequency determined by anticipated duration of response to any particular hypocalcemic regimen.

Mild Hypercalcemia

Mild hypercalcemia is defined as corrected total serum calcium level lower than 12 mg/dL (<6 mEq/L or 3.0 mmol/L).

Hydration followed by observation is a treatment option. This option should be considered for asymptomatic patients who are about to be treated for tumors that are likely to respond to antineoplastic treatment (e.g., lymphoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, head and neck carcinoma, and multiple myeloma).[6]

In symptomatic patients or when tumor response to therapy is expected to occur slowly, therapy for hypercalcemia should be implemented to manage symptoms and stabilize patients’ metabolic states. Additional ancillary interventions should be directed toward controlling nausea and vomiting, encouraging mobility, noting febrile episodes, and the minimal use of sedating medications.[6]

Moderate to Severe Hypercalcemia

Moderate to severe hypercalcemia is defined as corrected total serum calcium equal to 12 to 14 mg/dL (6–7 mEq/L or 3.0–3.5 mmol/L).

Rehydration is the essential first step in treating moderate or severe hypercalcemia. Although fewer than 30% of patients achieve normocalcemia with hydration alone, replenishing extracellular fluid, restoring intravascular volume, and saline diuresis are fundamental to initial therapy. Adequate rehydration may require 3,000 to 6,000 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride for injection (normal saline) within the first 24 hours to restore fluid volume. Restoring normal extracellular fluid volume will increase daily urinary calcium excretion by 100 to 300 mg. Clinical improvement in mental status and nausea and vomiting is usually apparent within 24 hours for most patients; however, rehydration is a temporizing intervention. If definitive cytoreductive therapies (surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy) are not forthcoming, hypocalcemic agents must be used to achieve long-term control.

Thiazide diuretics increase renal tubular calcium absorption and may exacerbate hypercalcemia. Thus, thiazide diuretics are contraindicated in hypercalcemia patients. Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide, bumetanide, and ethacrynic acid) induce hypercalciuria by inhibiting calcium reabsorption in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, but they should not be administered until fluid volume is restored. Otherwise, loop diuretics can exacerbate fluid loss, further reducing calcium clearance. Because sodium and calcium clearance are closely linked during osmotic diuresis, loop diuretics will depress the proximal tubular resorptive mechanisms for calcium, increasing calcium excretion to 400 to 800 mg per day.

Moderate doses of furosemide (20–40 mg every 12 hours) increase saline-induced urinary calcium excretion and are useful in preventing or managing fluid overload in adequately rehydrated patients. Aggressive treatment with furosemide (80–100 mg every 2–4 hours) is problematic because it requires concurrent administration of large volumes of saline to prevent intravascular dehydration.[7][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III] This, in turn, requires intensive hemodynamic monitoring (to avoid volume overload and cardiac decompensation) and frequent serial measurements of urinary volume and electrolytes (to prevent life-threatening hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia).[6,8][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663089&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663089&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: IV]

Pharmacologic Inhibition of Osteoclastic Bone Resorption

Described below are therapies that can inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption. The most widely used modality for this purpose is a bisphosphonate (such as pamidronate). The use of other agents such as calcitonin, mithramycin, or gallium nitrate is less common.

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are one of the most effective pharmacologic alternatives for controlling hypercalcemia. They bind to hydroxyapatite in calcified bone, rendering it resistant to hydrolytic dissolution by phosphatases, thereby inhibiting both normal and abnormal bone resorption.[9] Bisphosphonate treatment reduces the number of osteoclasts in sites undergoing active bone resorption and may prevent osteoclast expansion by inhibiting differentiation from their monocyte-macrophage precursors.[10][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663089&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663089&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: IV] Bisphosphonates have variable effects on other aspects of bone remodeling, such as new bone formation and mineralization. For example, etidronate at clinically relevant dosages (300–1,600 mg/day) inhibits new bone formation and mineralization.[11][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: II] With prolonged etidronate use, osteomalacia and pathologic fractures may occur.[12][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III] In contrast, clodronate, pamidronate, and alendronate are 10, 100, and 1,000 times more potent inhibitors of bone resorption than etidronate and are clinically useful at dosages that are less likely to adversely affect new bone formation and mineralization.[13][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663089&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663089&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: IV];[14-16][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: II] Many bisphosphonates may be useful in treating hypercalcemia of malignancy. In the United States, etidronate and pamidronate are the only bisphosphonates approved for treating hypercalcemia.

In a randomized double-blind study comparing pamidronate with etidronate for the treatment of cancer-related hypercalcemia, pamidronate (60 mg intravenous IV single dose over 24 hours) has been demonstrated to be more effective with respect to serum calcium reduction and duration of hypocalcemic response than etidronate (7.5 mg/kg of body weight per day administered over 2 hours as a daily IV infusion for 3 consecutive days).[17][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: I] This finding has led to the diminished use of etidronate.[1]

In treating moderate hypercalcemia (corrected serum calcium <13.5 mg/dL, <6.75 mEq/L, or <3.37 mmol/L), pamidronate 60 to 90 mg IV is administered over 2 to 24 hours.[18] Onset of pamidronate’s effect is apparent within 3 to 4 days, with maximal effect within 7 to 10 days after commencing treatment. The effect may persist for 7 to 30 days.[19][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: I] It is recommended that a minimum of 7 days elapse before re-treatment with pamidronate to assess full response to the initial dose.[18] Adverse effects include transient low-grade temperature elevations (1°C–2°C) that typically occur within 24 to 36 hours after administration and persist for up to 2 days in up to 20% of patients. Pamidronate has also been used successfully in children, with similar side effects.[20][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III] Other bisphosphonates (except clodronate) may also produce transient temperature elevations; the incidence of temperature elevation, nausea, anorexia, dyspepsia, and vomiting may be increased by rapid administration.[21][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: I];[22][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III] New-onset hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia may occur; pre-existing abnormalities in the same electrolytes may be exacerbated by treatment. Serum calcium may fall below the normal range, and hypocalcemia (typically asymptomatic) may result. Renal failure has only been reported after rapid etidronate and clodronate injection, but rapid administration should be avoided with all bisphosphonates.[23][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III] Intravenous pamidronate administration has been associated with acute-phase responses, including transiently decreased peripheral lymphocyte counts. Local reactions (thrombophlebitis, erythema, and pain) at the infusion site have been reported.[21]

The use of subcutaneous (SC) administration of clodronate has been explored. Initial experience suggested that clodronate was well tolerated subcutaneously; however, aminobisphosphonates such as pamidronate resulted in local irritation.[24] In a subsequent study, 37 inpatients with terminal cancer received 45 clodronate infusions.[25][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: II] Clodronate, 1,500 mg in 1 L of normal saline, was administered via a 23-gauge, ¾-inch butterfly needle into the SC space. All the infusions were completed, and none required discontinuation due to discomfort. The authors concluded that their results suggested that SC clodronate is an effective treatment for hypercalcemia of malignancy and is associated with minimal toxicity. This technique has advantages in the care of terminally ill patients at home and may avoid the need for hospital admission and/or IV administration. In addition, SC administration in the hospital setting has advantages for patients for whom an IV site may be problematic.

Calcitonin and plicamycin have a more rapid hypocalcemic effect than bisphosphonates; however, pamidronate has several advantages over nonbisphosphonate therapies. In comparison with plicamycin, response rates are greater among patients treated with pamidronate.[26][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: I] Pamidronate more frequently reduces serum calcium concentrations to normocalcemic ranges than either calcitonin or plicamycin.[26,27][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: I] In addition, pamidronate’s hypocalcemic effect is dose related and sustained after repeated administration, and it generally persists longer than the effects produced by either calcitonin or plicamycin therapies.[19][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: I] Pamidronate lacks the renal, hepatic, and platelet toxic effects associated with plicamycin.

Calcitonin

Calcitonin is a peptide hormone secreted by specialized cells in the thyroid and parathyroid. Its synthesis and secretion normally increase in response to high concentrations of serum-ionized calcium. Calcitonin opposes physiologic effects of parathyroid hormone on bone and renal tubular calcium resorption; however, it is not known whether calcitonin has a significant role in calcium homeostasis. Nevertheless, calcitonin rapidly inhibits calcium and phosphorous resorption from bone and decreases renal calcium reabsorption. Calcitonin derived from salmon is much more potent and is longer acting than the human hormone. The initial dose schedule is 4 IU/kg of body weight per SC dose or intramuscular (IM) dose every 12 hours. Dose and schedule may be escalated after 1 or 2 days to 8 IU/kg every 12 hours, and finally to 8 IU/kg every 6 hours if the response to lower doses is unsatisfactory. Unfortunately, tachyphylaxis commonly occurs. With repeated use, calcitonin’s beneficial hypocalcemic effect wanes, even at the upper recommended limits of dose and schedule, so that its calcium-lowering effect lasts for only a few days. In patients who are responsive to calcitonin, its combination with bisphosphonates may hasten the onset and duration of a hypocalcemic response caused by calcitonin’s rapid (within 2–4 hours) onset of action.[28][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: II];[29][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663089&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663089&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: IV]

Calcitonin is usually well tolerated; adverse effects include mild nausea, transient cramping abdominal pain, and cutaneous flushing. Calcitonin is most useful within the first 24 to 36 hours of treatment of severe hypercalcemia and should be used in conjunction with more potent but slower-acting agents.

Plicamycin

Plicamycin (also referred to as mithramycin) is an inhibitor of osteoclast RNA synthesis. It has been shown to inhibit bone resorption in vitro and is clinically effective in the presence or absence of bone metastases. Onset of response occurs within 12 hours of a single IV dose of 25 to 30 ?g/kg of body weight given as a short infusion for 30 minutes or longer. Maximum response, however, does not occur until approximately 48 hours after administration and may persist for 3 to 7 days or more after administration. Repeated doses may be given to maintain plicamycin’s hypocalcemic effect but should not be given more frequently than every 48 hours to determine the maximum calcium-lowering effect produced by previous doses.[30] Multiple doses may control hypercalcemia for several weeks, but rebound hypercalcemia usually occurs without definitive treatment against the underlying malignancy.[31] Although single-dose treatment of hypercalcemia is generally well tolerated with few adverse effects,[32][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: II] dysfibrinogenemia [33][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III] and nephrotoxicity [34] have been reported after single doses (20–25 ?g/kg). Rapid IV administration is associated with nausea and vomiting.[31] High and repeated doses predispose the patient to thrombocytopenia, a qualitative platelet dysfunction that may be associated with a bleeding diathesis, transient increases in hepatic transaminases, nephrotoxicity (decreased creatinine clearance, increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, potassium wasting, and proteinuria), hypophosphatemia, a flulike syndrome, dermatologic reactions, and stomatitis.[31,34];[35][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: II];[36-39][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III]

Gallium nitrate

Gallium nitrate was developed as an antineoplastic agent that was coincidentally found to produce a hypocalcemic effect. Gallium nitrate interferes with an adenosine triphosphatase–dependent proton pump in the membrane of osteoclasts. This impairs osteoclast acidification and the dissolution of the underlying bone matrix.[1] Gallium nitrate has been shown to be superior to etidronate in the percentage of patients who achieve normocalcemia and in the duration of normocalcemia.[40][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: I] Drawbacks to its use include a continuous 5-day IV infusion schedule (200 mg/m² of body surface area per day) [6] and the potential for nephrotoxicity, particularly when it is used concurrently with other potentially nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides and amphotericin .[1]

Gallium nitrate has also been given by daily SC injection to prevent bone resorption and maintain bone mass in patients with multiple myeloma.[41][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663069&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: I]

Other Therapeutics for Hypercalcemia

Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids have efficacy as hypocalcemic agents primarily in steroid-responsive tumors (e.g., lymphomas and myeloma) and in patients whose hypercalcemia is associated with increased vitamin D synthesis or intake (sarcoidosis and hypervitaminosis D).[42][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III];[43][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: II] Glucocorticoids increase urinary calcium excretion and inhibit vitamin D–mediated gastrointestinal calcium absorption. Response, however, is typically slow; 1 to 2 weeks may elapse before serum calcium concentrations decrease. Oral hydrocortisone (100–300 mg) or its glucocorticoid equivalent may be given daily; however, complications of long-term steroid use limit its usefulness even in responsive patients.

Phosphate

Phosphate offers a minimally effective chronic oral treatment for mild to moderate hypercalcemia. It is most useful after successful initial reduction of serum calcium with other agents and should probably be reserved for patients who are both hypercalcemic and hypophosphatemic. The usual treatment is 250 to 375 mg per dose given 4 times daily (1–1.5 g of elemental phosphorus per day) to minimize the potential for developing hyperphosphatemia.[44] Supranormal phosphate administration results in decreased renal calcium clearance and presumably decreases serum calcium concentrations by precipitating calcium into bone and soft tissues.[45,46][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: II] Extraskeletal precipitation of calcium in vital organs may have adverse consequences and is especially significant after intravenous administration.[6];[47,48][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III] IV administration of phosphate produces a rapid decline in serum calcium concentrations but is rarely used because there are safer and more effective antiresorptive agents for life-threatening hypercalcemia (calcitonin and plicamycin). Hypotension, oliguria, left ventricular failure, and sudden death can occur as a result of rapid IV administration. Contraindications for phosphate include normophosphatemia, hyperphosphatemia, and renal insufficiency. Oral phosphate should be given at the lowest dose possible to maintain serum phosphorous concentrations lower than 4 mg/dL 1 to 2 hours after administration.

The use of phosphates is limited by individual patient tolerance and toxicity; 25% to 50% of patients cannot tolerate oral phosphates.[8] Oral phosphate–induced diarrhea may be initially advantageous in patients who have experienced constipation secondary to hypercalcemia; it is the predominant and dose-limiting adverse effect for oral therapy and frequently prevents dosage escalation of more than 2 g of neutral phosphate per day.[6]

Dialysis

Dialysis is an option for hypercalcemia that is complicated by renal failure. Peritoneal dialysis with calcium-free dialysate fluid can remove 200 to 2,000 mg of calcium in 24 to 48 hours and decrease the serum calcium concentration by 3 to 12 mg/dL (1.5–6 mEq/L or 0.7–3 mmol/L). Ultrafiltrable calcium clearance may exceed that of urea with calcium-free dialysate exchanges of 2 L each every 30 minutes.[49] Hemodialysis is equally effective.[50][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III];[51][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663089&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663089&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: IV] Because large quantities of phosphate are lost during dialysis and phosphate loss aggravates hypercalcemia, serum inorganic phosphate should be measured after each dialysis session, and phosphate should be added to the dialysate during the next fluid exchange or to the patient’s diet.[52][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III] It is recommended, however, that phosphate replacement should be limited to restoring serum inorganic phosphate concentrations to normal rather than supranormal.[44]

Prostaglandin synthesis Inhibitors

Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors such as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may have some efficacy in the management of cancer-induced hypercalcemia. The E-series prostaglandins mediate bone resorption. Despite experimental evidence, however, aspirin and other nonsteroidal drugs have demonstrated only modest clinical response rates in controlling hypercalcemia. For patients who are unresponsive to or unable to tolerate other agents, aspirin may be given to produce a serum salicylate concentration equal to 20 to 30 mg/dL, or 25 mg indomethacin may be given orally every 6 hours.[53-55][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663072&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: II];[56][click="javascript:popWindow('defbyid','CDR0000663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English'); return(false);" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=663087&version=HealthProfessional&language=English" class="Summary-LOERef">Level of evidence: III]

Cisplatin

Serum calcium was normalized for a median of 34 days (range, 4–115) in 9 of 13 patients with various solid tumors given IV cisplatin at 100 mg/m² of body surface area over 24 hours. Patients were re-treated as frequently as every 7 days if necessary to maintain serum calcium concentrations lower than 11.5 mg/dL (<5.75 mEq/L or 2.87 mmol/L). Four of seven patients responded to repeated treatment. Responders achieved a statistically significant difference in serum calcium levels from baseline on the tenth day after treatment, which continued thereafter. Serial tumor measurements revealed that the hypocalcemic response did not correlate with tumor shrinkage; there was no detectable antitumor response in any measurable or evaluable disease.[57]

Future pharmacologic management is likely to combine osteoclastic inhibitors with cytotoxic or endocrine therapy.[9]

Patient and Family Education

Hypercalcemia compromises the patient’s quality of life and can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and treated. Individuals at risk and their caregivers should be made aware that hypercalcemia is a possible complication. Patients and their significant others should be advised about the types of symptoms that may occur with hypercalcemia, preventive measures, exacerbating factors, and when to seek medical assistance.[58] They should be taught measures to diminish the symptoms of hypercalcemia such as maintaining mobility and ensuring adequate hydration.

Supportive Care

Despite encouraging developments in pharmacologic management, the prognostic implications related to hypercalcemia remain relatively grim. Only patients for whom effective anticancer therapy is possible can be expected to experience a longer survival.

The adverse effects of therapy need to be prevented or recognized and managed. Fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance can occur during initial therapy. Serum sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and magnesium concentrations may be markedly decreased. Electrolyte levels should be monitored at least daily, and clinical signs and symptoms should be assessed at least every 4 hours when hydration or specific hypocalcemic drug treatments are being implemented.

The management of symptoms of hypercalcemia is crucial. Preventing accidental or self-inflicted injury as a consequence of the patient’s altered mental status is a priority during acute management. Until serum calcium decreases, additional pharmacologic interventions may be necessary to control nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Any acute severe exacerbation or development of new bone pain should be evaluated for the presence of a pathological fracture. Many health care facilities institute fracture precautions for patients with metastatic disease to the bone. These precautions include gentle handling when moving or transferring patients and fall-prevention strategies. Maximum mobility and weight-bearing exercises are desirable.

Supportive care in terminal stages typically consists of comfort measures for patients and their caregivers. Changes in mentation and behavior may be especially distressing to family members.

Psychosocial Management

Supportive management of delirium, agitation, or changes in mental status is implemented in patients with hypercalcemia. Primary treatment of hypercalcemia and/or its underlying etiology eventually leads to the resolution of changes in mental status in most of these patients. Some patients present with clinically significant and distressing changes in mental status, agitation, or delirium that warrants management or control. (Refer to the PDQ summary on Cognitive Disorders and Delirium for more information.) Clinical experience supports the use of neuroleptic medications such as haloperidol (0.5–5.0 mg IV or by mouth 2–4 times a day) alone or in combination with benzodiazepines (e.g., 0.5–2.0 mg of lorazepam IV or by mouth 2–4 times a day) for the control of agitation and confusion. This enhances patient and family comfort and allows for easier institution of primary therapies. The use of benzodiazepines in these situations should be reserved for instances in which sedation (and not improvement in mental status) is the primary goal of the intervention.

The relationship between mental status and serum calcium levels is variable. Some patients will not manifest improvement in mental status until days to a week or more after serum calcium levels are in the normal range; others will display improvement before laboratory values catch up.

Many times, lethargy is a presenting symptom of hypercalcemia. Lethargic patients are often mistakenly believed by family (and sometimes by staff) to be depressed before the actual etiology of the mental-status changes becomes known. The differential diagnosis is generally straightforward in that many of these patients will lack the cognitive or ideational symptoms of a mood disorder (hopelessness, helplessness, anhedonia, guilt, worthlessness, or thoughts of suicide) and instead will appear mainly lethargic and apathetic; formal testing of mental status is likely to reveal cognitive deficits. This is an important distinction to be made, as the introduction of antidepressant drugs during an organic confusional episode can worsen confusion.

Management of hypercalcemia

1. Correct dehydration due to calciuresis and vomiting with IV hydration using isotonic saline.
2. Prevent or manage fluid overload with a diuretic such as furosemide, 20 mg to 40 mg every 12 hours.
3. Treat hypercalcemia with one of the following agents:
   • pamidronate, 60 to 90 mg IV over 2 to 24 hours.
   • calcitonin, 4 IU/kg SC or IM every 12 hours.
   • plicamycin, 25 to 30 ?g/kg IV over 30 minutes.
   • gallium nitrate, 200 mg/m² per day IV over 24 hours for 5 consecutive days.
4. Provide patient and family education:
   • Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia to report to the health care provider:
     • Lethargy.
     • Fatigue.
     • Confusion.
     • Loss of appetite.
     • Nausea/vomiting.
     • Constipation.
     • Excessive thirst.
   • Preventive measures:
     • Maintain mobility.
     • Ensure adequate hydration.
5. Provide supportive care:
   • Protect from injury.
   • Prevent fractures.
   • Manage related symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, and constipation).
6. Manage mental-status changes:
   • Haloperidol, 0.5 to 5 mg IV or by mouth 2 to 4 times a day for agitation or confusion.
   • Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam, 0.5 to 2 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for sedation.

Prognosis

Hypercalcemia generally develops as a late complication of malignancy; its appearance has grave prognostic significance. It remains unclear, however, whether death is associated with hypercalcemic crisis (uncontrolled or recurrent progressive hypercalcemia) or with advanced disease. Currently available hypocalcemic agents have little effect in decreasing the mortality rate among patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy. Although there is some disagreement among investigators who have evaluated survival among patients with cancer-related hypercalcemia,[59-62] it has been observed that 50% of patients with hypercalcemia die within 1 month and 75% within 3 months after starting hypocalcemic treatment. In the same study, patients with hypercalcemia who responded to specific antineoplastic treatment were found to have a slightly greater survival advantage over nonresponders. Other prognostic variables shown to correlate with longer survival included serum albumin concentration (direct correlation), serum calcium concentrations after treatment (inverse correlation), and age (inverse correlation).[5] In contrast with their modest effect on survival, marked but differential response rates were observed after hypocalcemic treatments as a factor of symptom type. The most substantial improvements occurred in renal- and central nervous system–related symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and constipation). Symptoms of anorexia, malaise, and fatigue improved, but less completely.[5]

References

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16. Boyce BF, Adamson BB, Gallacher SJ, et al.: Mineralisation defects after pamidronate for Paget's disease. Lancet 343 (8907): 1231-2, 1994.  PUBMED Abstract
     
17. Gucalp R, Ritch P, Wiernik PH, et al.: Comparative study of pamidronate disodium and etidronate disodium in the treatment of cancer-related hypercalcemia. J Clin Oncol 10 (1): 134-42, 1992.  PUBMED Abstract
     
18. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.: Aredia: package insert. May 1998. 
     
19. Elomaa I, Blomqvist C, Porkka L, et al.: Diphosphonates for osteolytic metastases. Lancet 1 (8438): 1155-6, 1985.  PUBMED Abstract
     
20. Kerdudo C, Aerts I, Fattet S, et al.: Hypercalcemia and childhood cancer: a 7-year experience. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 27 (1): 23-7, 2005.  PUBMED Abstract
     
21. Nussbaum SR, Younger J, Vandepol CJ, et al.: Single-dose intravenous therapy with pamidronate for the treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy: comparison of 30-, 60-, and 90-mg dosages. Am J Med 95 (3): 297-304, 1993.  PUBMED Abstract
     
22. Burckhardt P, Thiébaud D, Perey L, et al.: Treatment of tumor-induced osteolysis by APD. Recent Results Cancer Res 116: 54-66, 1989.  PUBMED Abstract
     
23. Bounameaux HM, Schifferli J, Montani JP, et al.: Renal failure associated with intravenous diphosphonates. Lancet 1 (8322): 471, 1983.  PUBMED Abstract
     
24. Walker P, Watanabe S, Lawlor P, et al.: Subcutaneous clodronate. Lancet 348 (9023): 345-6, 1996.  PUBMED Abstract
     
25. Walker P, Watanabe S, Lawlor P, et al.: Subcutaneous clodronate: a study evaluating efficacy in hypercalcemia of malignancy and local toxicity. Ann Oncol 8 (9): 915-6, 1997.  PUBMED Abstract
     
26. Ostenstad B, Andersen OK: Disodium pamidronate versus mithramycin in the management of tumour-associated hypercalcemia. Acta Oncol 31 (8): 861-4, 1992.  PUBMED Abstract
     
27. Ralston SH, Gardner MD, Dryburgh FJ, et al.: Comparison of aminohydroxypropylidene diphosphonate, mithramycin, and corticosteroids/calcitonin in treatment of cancer-associated hypercalcaemia. Lancet 2 (8461): 907-10, 1985.  PUBMED Abstract
     
28. Thiébaud D, Jacquet AF, Burckhardt P: Fast and effective treatment of malignant hypercalcemia. Combination of suppositories of calcitonin and a single infusion of 3-amino 1-hydroxypropylidene-1-bisphosphonate. Arch Intern Med 150 (10): 2125-8, 1990.  PUBMED Abstract
     
29. Ralston SH, Gallacher SJ, Dryburgh FJ, et al.: Treatment of severe hypercalcaemia with mithramycin and aminohydroxypropylidene bisphosphonate. Lancet 2 (8605): 277, 1988.  PUBMED Abstract
     
30. Parsons V, Baum M, Self M: Effect of mithramycin on calcium and hydroxyproline metabolism in patients with malignant disease. Br Med J 1 (538): 474-7, 1967.  PUBMED Abstract
     
31. Kennedy BJ: Metabolic and toxic effects of mithramycin during tumor therapy. Am J Med 49 (4): 494-503, 1970.  PUBMED Abstract
     
32. Perlia CP, Gubisch NJ, Wolter J, et al.: Mithramycin treatment of hypercalcemia. Cancer 25 (2): 389-94, 1970.  PUBMED Abstract
     
33. Ashby MA, Lazarchick J: Acquired dysfibrinogenemia secondary to mithramycin toxicity. Am J Med Sci 292 (1): 53-5, 1986.  PUBMED Abstract
     
34. Benedetti RG, Heilman KJ 3rd, Gabow PA: Nephrotoxicity following single dose mithramycin therapy. Am J Nephrol 3 (5): 277-8, 1983 Sep-Oct.  PUBMED Abstract
     
35. Fillastre JP, Maitrot J, Canonne MA, et al.: Renal function and alterations in plasma electrolyte levels in normocalcaemic and hypercalaemic patients with malignant diseases, given an intravenous infusion of mithramycin. Chemotherapy 20 (5): 280-95, 1974.  PUBMED Abstract
     
36. Purpora D, Ahern MJ, Silverman N: Toxic epidermal necrolysis after mithramycin. N Engl J Med 299 (25): 1412, 1978.  PUBMED Abstract
     
37. Bashir Y, Tomson CR: Cardiac arrest associated with hypokalaemia in a patient receiving mithramycin. Postgrad Med J 64 (749): 228-9, 1988.  PUBMED Abstract
     
38. Ahr DJ, Scialla SJ, Kimbali DB Jr: Acquired platelet dysfunction following mithramycin therapy. Cancer 41 (2): 448-54, 1978.  PUBMED Abstract
     
39. Margileth DA, Smith FE, Lane M: Sudden arterial occlusion associated with mithramycin therapy. Cancer 31 (3): 708-12, 1973.  PUBMED Abstract
     
40. Warrell RP Jr, Murphy WK, Schulman P, et al.: A randomized double-blind study of gallium nitrate compared with etidronate for acute control of cancer-related hypercalcemia. J Clin Oncol 9 (8): 1467-75, 1991.  PUBMED Abstract
     
41. Warrell RP Jr, Lovett D, Dilmanian FA, et al.: Low-dose gallium nitrate for prevention of osteolysis in myeloma: results of a pilot randomized study. J Clin Oncol 11 (12): 2443-50, 1993.  PUBMED Abstract
     
42. Mundy GR, Rick ME, Turcotte R, et al.: Pathogenesis of hypercalcemia in lymphosarcoma cell leukemia. Role of an osteoclast activating factor-like substance and a mechanism of action for glucocorticoid therapy. Am J Med 65 (4): 600-6, 1978.  PUBMED Abstract
     
43. Ralston SH, Fogelman I, Gardiner MD, et al.: Relative contribution of humoral and metastatic factors to the pathogenesis of hypercalcaemia in malignancy. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 288 (6428): 1405-8, 1984.  PUBMED Abstract
     
44. Potts JT: Diseases of the parathyroid gland and other hyper- and hypocalcemic disorders. In: Isselbacher KJ, Braunwald E, Wilson JD, et al., eds.: Principles of Internal Medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1994, pp. 2151-71. 
     
45. Massry SG, Mueller E, Silverman AG, et al.: Inorganic phosphate treatment of hypercalcemia. Arch Intern Med 121 (4): 307-12, 1968.  PUBMED Abstract
     
46. Hebert LA, Lemann J Jr, Petersen JR, et al.: Studies of the mechanism by which phosphate infusion lowers serum calcium concentration. J Clin Invest 45 (12): 1886-94, 1966.  PUBMED Abstract
     
47. Shackney S, Hasson J: Precipitous fall in serum calcium, hypotension, and acute renal failure after intravenous phosphate therapy for hypercalcemia. Report of two cases. Ann Intern Med 66 (5): 906-16, 1967.  PUBMED Abstract
     
48. Goldsmith RS, Ingbar SH: Inorganic phosphate treatment of hypercalcemia of diverse etiologies. N Engl J Med 274 (1): 1-7, 1966.  PUBMED Abstract
     
49. Nolph KD, Stoltz M, Maher JF: Calcium free peritoneal dialysis. Treatment of vitamin D intoxication. Arch Intern Med 128 (5): 809-14, 1971.  PUBMED Abstract
     
50. Cardella CJ, Birkin BL, Rapoport A: Role of dialysis in the treatment of severe hypercalcemia: report of two cases successfully treated with hemodialysis and review of the literature. Clin Nephrol 12 (6): 285-90, 1979.  PUBMED Abstract
     
51. Schreiner GE, Teehan BP: Dialysis of poisons and drugs - annual review. Trans Am Soc Artif Intern Organs 18 (0): 563-99, 1972.  PUBMED Abstract
     
52. Stoltz ML, Nolph KD, Maher JF: Factors affecting calcium removal with calcium-free peritoneal dialysis. J Lab Clin Med 78 (3): 389-98, 1971.  PUBMED Abstract
     
53. Seyberth HW, Segre GV, Morgan JL, et al.: Prostaglandins as mediators of hypercalcemia associated with certain types of cancer. N Engl J Med 293 (25): 1278-83, 1975.  PUBMED Abstract
     
54. Seyberth HW, Segre GV, Hamet P, et al.: Characterization of the group of patients with the hypercalcemia of cancer who respond to treatment with prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors. Trans Assoc Am Physicians 89: 92-104, 1976.  PUBMED Abstract
     
55. Brenner DE, Harvey HA, Lipton A, et al.: A study of prostaglandin E2, parathormone, and response to indomethacin in patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy. Cancer 49 (3): 556-61, 1982.  PUBMED Abstract
     
56. Coombes RC, Neville AM, Bondy PK, et al.: Failure of indomethacin to reduce hypercalcemia in patients with breast cancer. Prostaglandins 12 (6): 1027-35, 1976.  PUBMED Abstract
     
57. Lad TE, Mishoulam HM, Shevrin DH, et al.: Treatment of cancer-associated hypercalcemia with cisplatin. Arch Intern Med 147 (2): 329-32, 1987.  PUBMED Abstract
     
58. List A: Malignant hypercalcemia. The choice of therapy. Arch Intern Med 151 (3): 437-8, 1991.  PUBMED Abstract
     
59. Warrell RP Jr, Israel R, Frisone M, et al.: Gallium nitrate for acute treatment of cancer-related hypercalcemia. A randomized, double-blind comparison to calcitonin. Ann Intern Med 108 (5): 669-74, 1988.  PUBMED Abstract
     
60. Blomqvist CP: Malignant hypercalcemia--a hospital survey. Acta Med Scand 220 (5): 455-63, 1986.  PUBMED Abstract
     
61. Mundy GR, Martin TJ: The hypercalcemia of malignancy: pathogenesis and management. Metabolism 31 (12): 1247-77, 1982.  PUBMED Abstract
     
62. Fisken RA, Heath DA, Bold AM: Hypercalcaemia--a hospital survey. Q J Med 49 (196): 405-18, 1980 Autumn.  PUBMED Abstract
     

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Current Clinical Trials

Check NCI’s PDQ Cancer Clinical Trials Registry for U.S. supportive and palliative care trials about hypercalcemia of malignancy that are now accepting participants. The list of trials can be further narrowed by location, drug, intervention, and other criteria.

General information about clinical trials is also available from the NCI Web site.

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Call 1-800-4-CANCER

For more information, U.S. residents may call the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. A trained Cancer Information Specialist is available to answer your questions.

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There are also many other places to get materials and information about cancer treatment and services. Hospitals in your area may have information about local and regional agencies that have information on finances, getting to and from treatment, receiving care at home, and dealing with problems related to cancer treatment.

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The NCI has booklets and other materials for patients, health professionals, and the public. These publications discuss types of cancer, methods of cancer treatment, coping with cancer, and clinical trials. Some publications provide information on tests for cancer, cancer causes and prevention, cancer statistics, and NCI research activities. NCI materials on these and other topics may be ordered online or printed directly from the NCI Publications Locator. These materials can also be ordered by telephone from the Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

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Changes to This Summary (04/13/2010)

The PDQ cancer information summaries are reviewed regularly and updated as new information becomes available. This section describes the latest changes made to this summary as of the date above.

Added level-of-evidence designations to some reference citations in this summary to help readers assess the strength of the evidence supporting the use of specific interventions or approaches.

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Questions or Comments About This Summary

If you have questions or comments about this summary, please send them to Cancer.gov through the Web site’s Contact Form. We can respond only to email messages written in English.

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More Information

About PDQ

• PDQ® - NCI's Comprehensive Cancer Database.

  Full description of the NCI PDQ database.

Additional PDQ Summaries

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Adult Treatment

  Treatment options for adult cancers.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Pediatric Treatment

  Treatment options for childhood cancers.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Supportive and Palliative Care

  Side effects of cancer treatment, management of cancer-related complications and pain, and psychosocial concerns.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Screening/Detection (Testing for Cancer)

  Tests or procedures that detect specific types of cancer.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Prevention

  Risk factors and methods to increase chances of preventing specific types of cancer.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Genetics

  Genetics of specific cancers and inherited cancer syndromes, and ethical, legal, and social concerns.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Complementary and Alternative Medicine

  Information about complementary and alternative forms of treatment for patients with cancer.

Important:

This information is intended mainly for use by doctors and other health care professionals. If you have questions about this topic, you can ask your doctor, or call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

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