Hypercalcaemia - new mechanisms for old observations
1990
Understanding Hypercalcaemia in Cancer
Sample size: 39
Editorial
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): J. Waxman
Primary Institution: Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital
Hypothesis
What are the mechanisms behind hypercalcaemia in malignant diseases?
Conclusion
Recent advances have clarified the role of parathyroid hormone related peptide in malignant hypercalcaemia.
Supporting Evidence
- Hypercalcaemia complicates approximately 5-10% of all cancers.
- Parathyroid hormone related peptide was elevated in 49% of patients with malignant hypercalcaemia.
- Treatment with octreotide resulted in normocalcaemia in a patient with humoral hypercalcaemia.
Takeaway
Some cancers can cause high calcium levels in the blood, and scientists have found a special protein that helps explain why this happens.
Methodology
The study involved screening patients with a radioimmunoassay for parathyroid hormone related peptide.
Limitations
The treatment response was transitory and may not be applicable to all patients.
Participant Demographics
Patients with malignant hypercalcaemia and various control groups.
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