Prevalence of hypercalcemia among cancer patients in the United States

Hypercalcemia of Malignancy: An Atypical Presentation of Endometrial Carcinoma

Hypercalcemia of malignancy associated with lung, gastrointestinal, and hematologic malignancies is well-described in the literature but has rarely been reported with gynecologic cancers. Even among gynecologic malignancies represented in literature with hypercalcemia, there are only a handful from endometrial carcinoma. Here we describe an atypical case of a patient with endometrial carcinoma who presented with symptomatic hypercalcemia. This case report investigates the atypical presentation of an endometrial carcinoma.

Parathyroid Hormone-Related Peptide Secretion From a Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Rare Case Report of Severe Hypercalcemia

Background/Objective

Hypercalcemia is a common occurrence associated with malignancy, due to a number of causes: (1) lytic bone metastases, (2) production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D from lymphoma, and (3) parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) secretion usually from solid tumors.

Case Report

A 56-year-old woman presented with symptoms of severe hypercalcemia. Investigations determined that this was due to PTHrP secretion from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET), a noted complication in 1.1% of pNET cases. Although unfit for curative therapy, the patient was treated with fluid replacement, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and denosumab. After treatment, she had recurrent severe symptomatic hypercalcemia on several occasions despite adjunctive therapy with a somatostatin analog. Ultimately, the patient died as a result of refractory hypercalcemia.

Discussion

The hypercalcemia that is rarely associated with PTHrP secretion from pNETs is aggressive and often refractory to the usual medical treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy. Effective treatment requires cytoreduction of the causative tumor. Denosumab, a receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa beta ligand inhibitor, has proven useful in some cases.

Conclusion

This challenging case highlighted the rare but potentially fatal association of pNET with hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia was the main cause of mortality in an otherwise relatively indolent malignancy.

Hypercalcemia Secondary to Calcitriol Production From Dual Combination Immunotherapy in Pulmonary Metastatic Melanoma

Nivolumab and ipilimumab are immunotherapy agents recommended for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. A rare adverse effect of these agents is hypercalcemia. The mechanism of immunotherapy-mediated hypercalcemia is thought to be due to ectopic calcitriol production from activated macrophages, similar to sarcoidosis. We present a case of a 76-year-old female with metastatic melanoma who developed severe hypercalcemia after completing a cycle of combined nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy. After other common causes of hypercalcemia in malignancy were ruled out, the decision was made to aggressively treat her hypercalcemia while inpatient and hold immunotherapy at discharge. Since holding immunotherapy, she has not had a repeat occurrence of hypercalcemia. This case stresses the importance of including immunotherapy adverse effects in the differential diagnosis for hypercalcemia in malignancy.

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor producing cervical cancer with elevated levels of parathyroid hormone-related protein: a case report and literature review

Systemic effects associated with hormones and cytokines secreted by tumor cells can cause paraneoplastic syndrome. Leukemoid reactions and hypercalcemia are relatively common manifestations of paraneoplastic syndrome. Here, we describe the case of a 90-year-old woman who presented with leukocytosis and hypercalcemia and was diagnosed with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing cervical cancer with elevated levels of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). The patient visited our hospital complaining of general fatigue and anorexia. On admission, she presented with marked leukocytosis, hypercalcemia, and an increase in C-reactive protein level. On the basis of abdominal magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological examination, the patient was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Additional tests confirmed elevated plasma levels of G-CSF, PTHrP, and serum interleukin-6. Immunostaining of pathological specimens of the uterine cervix showed expression of G-CSF in tumor cells. The patient was diagnosed with G-CSF-producing cervical cancer accompanied by elevation of PTHrP levels. As a treatment for hypercalcemia, discontinuation of oral vitamin D derivative and administration of saline and elcatonin were ineffective, and therapeutic intervention with zoledronic acid hydrate was required. Considering the patient's advanced age, surgical resection of cervical cancer was not performed. She died from congestive heart failure approximately 3 months after hospitalization. This case was indicated to be a paraneoplastic syndrome in which G-CSF and PTHrP-induced leukocytosis and hypercalcemia. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of G-CSF-producing cervical cancer with elevated PTHrP levels, and our case is the first report.

Paraneoplastic neurologic manifestations of neuroendocrine tumors

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors arising from the transformation of neuroendocrine cells in several organs, most notably the gastro-entero-pancreatic system and respiratory tract. The classification was recently revised in the 5th Edition of the WHO Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors. NENs can rarely spread to the central or peripheral nervous systems. Neurologic involvement is determined by the rare development of paraneoplastic syndromes, which are remote effects of cancer. Mechanisms depend on immunologic response to a tumor, leading to the immune attack on the nervous system or the production of biologically active ("functioning") substances, which can determine humoral (endocrine) effects with neurologic manifestations. Paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNS) are immunologically mediated and frequently detected in small cell lung cancer but rarely seen in other forms of NEN. PNS and Merkel cell carcinoma is increasingly reported, especially with Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Endocrine manifestations are found in a wide spectrum of NENs. They can develop at any stage of the diseases and determine neurologic manifestations. Patient outcomes are influenced by tumor prognosis, neurologic complications, and the severity of endocrine effects.

The low and disproportionate utilization of antiresorptive therapy in patients with osseous metastasis

Introduction

Antiresorptive therapies are commonly utilized to mitigate and prevent skeletal-related-events in patients with metastatic osseous disease. However, limited data exists on the incidence or factors associated with prescription of antiresorptives or their effects on the incidence of pathologic fractures in patients with osseous metastatic disease. The aims of this study were to determine 1) the proportion of patients with osseous metastasis who receive antiresorptive therapy and sustain a pathologic fracture within 2-years of a new diagnosis, 2) factors associated with sustaining a pathologic fracture, and 3) factors are associated with the likelihood of receiving antiresorptive therapy.

Methods

Between January 2010 and October 2021, 1,492,301 patients with a new diagnosis of osseous metastasis were captured in the Mariner dataset of the PearlDiver database. Patients were identified using International Classification of Disease (ICD) 10 codes for osseous metastasis. We excluded patients with a prior diagnosis of osseous metastasis and if they had less than two-years of follow-up. There were 696,459 patients (46.7 %) included for analysis. Of these patients, 63 % (N = 437,716) were over the age of 65, 46 % were women, and 5.6 % had Medicaid insurance. We identified patients who were prescribed antiresorptive therapy within 2-years of a new diagnosis of osseous metastasis. Cox proportional hazard ratio models were created to predict factors associated with 1) pathologic fracture and 2) receiving antiresorptive therapy within 2-years of a new diagnosis of osseous metastasis, respectively.

Results

The incidence of antiresorptive therapy prescription was 7.7 % in our cohort. The incidence of pathologic fracture within 2-years of a new diagnosis was 7.3 %. The risk of sustaining a pathologic fracture was higher for patients aged 35-44 (HR 1.27 [95 % CI 1.08-1.51]; p = 0.004), those with primary kidney cancer (HR 1.78 [95 % CI 1.71-1.85]; p < 0.001), p = 0.005), multiple myeloma (HR 2.49 [95 % CI 2.39-2.59]; p < 0.001), and Medicaid insurance (HR 1.17 [95 % CI 1.13-1.21]; p < 0.001). The risk of sustaining a pathologic fracture was lower for patients on antiresorptive therapy (HR 0.71 [95 % CI 0.66-0.83]; p < 0.001). Increasing age was an independent predictor for antiresorptive therapy prescription (HR 1.77-16.38, all p < 0.05). Male sex as well as diagnosis of primary prostate, lung, or kidney cancer and Medicaid insurance were negative predictors for antiresorptive prescription (HR 0.15-0.87, all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The utilization of antiresorptive therapy in patients with osseous metastases remains unacceptably low, with only 7.7% patients being prescribed these therapies, despite shown efficacy in reduction of pathologic fractures incidences. This study identified younger patients, males, and those diagnosed with primary prostate, kidney, and lung cancers to be at increased risk of not being prescribed antiresorptive therapy, suggesting possible bias in prescription patterns. Greater efforts are needed by providers who care for this vulnerable population to increase the utilization and reduce disparities of prescribing antiresorptive therapy.

Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide Hypercalcemia as a Presentation of Endometrial Clear Cell Carcinoma

Hypercalcemia is a frequent complication of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies yet is only rarely associated with endometrial clear cell carcinoma. Here we report on a 70-year-old female who presented in the context of hip fracture and was incidentally found to have humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy secondary to endometrial clear cell carcinoma. This rare association makes endometrial cancer one of the differential diagnoses to be considered when assessing incidentally found symptomatic or asymptomatic hypercalcemia in the appropriate patient population.

Disorders of Calcium and Magnesium

This review will discuss the importance and homeostasis of calcium and magnesium in the human body, as well as the implications and treatment of disordered calcium and magnesium. With calcium and magnesium often considered to be the "forgotten cations" in medicine, it is our hope that this review will lead providers to evaluate for and effectively manage these electrolyte disorders in the emergency department.

Successful Hemodialysis Treatment of Severe Hypercalcemia Following COVID-19 in Multiple Myeloma: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Hypercalcemia, a serum calcium exceeding 10.5 mg/dL, is a multi-factorial metabolic disorder that results from an imbalance in calcium homeostasis. CASE REPORT We report a case of a 67-year-old male with recently diagnosed multiple myeloma who presented to our emergency department 3 weeks after COVID-19 infection with altered mental status and a fall. On admission he was found to have severe hypercalcemia with a level over 18.0 mg/dL. Despite IV fluids, calcitonin, steroids, and zoledronic acid, he had persistent, critically elevated calcium levels. The decision to initiate hemodialysis was made, which successfully treated his hypercalcemia. CONCLUSIONS This report presents a case of malignant hypercalcemia in an individual with COVID-19 and multiple myeloma and highlights the importance of considering dialysis as a viable treatment for hypercalcemia when other modalities have failed.

Severe hypercalcaemia in metastatic prostate cancer with biallelic BRCA2 mutations and lytic bone lesions

Molecular genetics is increasingly used to define the course and prognosis of prostate cancer. Hypercalcaemia of malignancy is a rare complication of metastatic prostate cancer associated with poor outcomes. However, no associations have yet been made in literature between pathogenic genetic mutations and hypercalcaemia in patients with prostatic malignancy.We report of a patient with bone-metastatic prostate cancer. He received sequential genetic tests for pathogenic mutations. A somatic BRCA2 truncation mutation was identified at diagnosis and suppressed on olaparib. Six months after stopping olaparib, several pathogenic mutations, including biallelic BRCA2 mutations, were identified. The patient developed large lytic bone lesions and a severe symptomatic hypercalcaemia. He was hospitalised and treated aggressively for hypercalcaemia but died shortly thereafter. To our knowledge, this is the first case of hypercalcaemia in metastatic prostate cancer to be contextualised within complex genetic mutations.

A Rare Case of Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Hypercalcemia of Malignancy Seen in a Patient With Prostate Adenocarcinoma

Hypercalcemia of malignancy is commonly associated with several malignancies, but its existence in prostate cancer is an uncommon finding. The concurrent existence of a parathyroid adenoma and a history of hypercalcemia over several decades further adds to the enigma. Our case is of an 82-year-old man with a history of prostate cancer who presented to the endocrinology clinic with hypercalcemia. His PET-CT showed osteolytic metastasis to the T10 vertebrae which were presumed to be the cause of his high serum calcium. Further investigations revealed increased parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP). Denosumab therapy was started but his calcium remained elevated and hence, he underwent palliative radiation therapy. A follow-up PET-CT revealed significant disease regression and his serum calcium decreased from 11mg/dL to 10mg/dL. However, one month post radiation his serum calcium started showing an upward trend. Further investigations revealed an elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) and an ultrasound of the thyroid revealed parathyroid adenoma. The patient subsequently underwent a parathyroidectomy with resolution of hypercalcemia.

Predicting survival for patients with mesothelioma: development of the PLACE prognostic model

INTRODUCTION

The overall survival of patients with mesothelioma is poor and heterogeneous. At present, the prediction model for Chinese patients needs to be improved. We sought to investigate predictors of survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma and develop prognostic prediction models.

METHODS

This Two-center retrospective cohort study recruited patients with pathologically diagnosed mesothelioma at Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital and Beijing Tong-Ren Hospital. We developed a new prognostic prediction model based on COX multivariable analysis using data from patients who were recruited from June 1, 2010 to July 1, 2021 in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital (n = 95, development cohort) and validated this model using data from patients recruited from July 18, 2014 to May 9, 2022 in Beijing Tong-Ren Hospital (n = 23, validation cohort). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to estimate model accuracy.

RESULTS

The parameters in this new model included PLT > 289.5(10^9/L) (1 point), Lymphocyte > 1.785(10^9/L) (-1point), Age > 73 years old (1 point), Calcium > 2.145(mmol/L) (-1point), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) > 2 (2 points). When the sum of scores < 0, it is recognized as a low-risk group; when the score is 0 ~ 3, it is recognized as a high-risk group. The survival rate of patients in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that in the low-risk group (hazard ratio [HR], 3.878; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.226-6.755; P < 0.001). The validation group had similar results (HR,3.574; 95%CI,1.064-12.001; P = 0.039). Furthermore, the areas under the curve 6 months after diagnosis in the two cohorts were 0.900 (95% CI: 0.839-0.962) and 0.761 (95% CI: 0.568-0.954) for development and validation cohorts, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We developed a simple, clinically relevant prognostic prediction model for PLACE by evaluating five variables routinely tested at the time of diagnosis. The predictive model can differentiate patients of Chinese ethnicity into different risk groups and further guide prognosis.

Unexplained Hypercalcemia: A Clue to Adrenal Insufficiency

Hypercalcemia secondary to adrenal insufficiency is a rare condition, but it must be recognized and treated promptly to prevent complications such as kidney damage, bone loss, and cardiac arrhythmias. The co-occurrence of hypercalcemia and adrenal insufficiency can be seen in some rare conditions such as sarcoidosis, however, hypercalcemia as a direct consequence of adrenal insufficiency is well documented in the literature but seldom recognized and often remains underdiagnosed. Symptoms of hypercalcemia in this setting include fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, confusion, and dehydration. Treatment typically involves correcting the underlying adrenal insufficiency with hormone replacement therapy, along with measures to lower calcium levels in the blood, such as hydration. In this article, we report the case of a patient presenting with hypercalcemia secondary to adrenal insufficiency.

Characteristics and outcome of severe hypercalcemia on admission to the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To investigate the prevalence of hypercalcemia (>2.60 mmol/l) and severe hypercalcemia (≥2.80 mmol/l) on admission. Symptoms, causes, course of serum calcium, treatment and outcome of severe hypercalcemia were evaluated and compared to historical data from previous studies.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, all patients presenting to the interdisciplinary emergency department of the Buergerspital Solothurn between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2020 with measurements of serum calcium were included. Chart reviews were performed for patients with calcium ≥2.80 mmol/l to assess clinical presentation, course of disease and treatment for severe hypercalcemia.

RESULTS

Of 31,963 tested patients, 869 patients (2.7%) had hypercalcemia on the admission, of which 161 had severe hypercalcemia. Non-albumin corrected calcium was 3.07 (0.32) while albumin corrected calcium was 3.34 (0.44). Calcium was higher in patients with malignancy-related hypercalcemia (3.18 [0.34] versus 3.00 [0.3], p <0.001). Neuropsychiatric (35%) and gastrointestinal (24%) were the leading symptoms. Malignancy was the most common identifiable cause of hypercalcemia (40%), with lung cancer (20%), multiple myeloma (14%) and renal cell carcinoma (11%) being the main cancer types. 36% of patients with severe hypercalcemia took calcium supplements. Bisphosphonate treatment was an independent predictor of a fall in calcium until day 5 (regression coefficient: -0.404, standard error 0.11, p <0.001). Hypercalcemia was not mentioned in the final discharge report in 38% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Severe hypercalcemia is common and malignancy-related in almost half of the cases. Neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal symptoms were most prevalent. Awareness of hypercalcemia, particularly in cancer patients and those with known triggering factors, should be raised in order to identify and treat this harmful disorder early.

Treatment Outcomes and Survival in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy: A Grave Metabolic Emergency

BACKGROUND

Management of hypercalcemia is based on the manifestation of symptoms and serum calcium levels. It is considered an oncological emergency; therefore, management has to be done on an urgent basis.

AIM

In the present study, we analyzed the clinicopathological profile, treatment, and outcome of patients with hypercalcemia in solid malignancies at our institute.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients diagnosed with cancer and admitted to the department of radiation oncology with hypercalcemia. The parameters studied were age, gender, performance status, date of diagnosis, the primary site of cancer, stage, histopathology, time of presentation of hypercalcemia since initial cancer diagnosis, clinical symptoms, parathyroid hormone levels, liver and renal function tests, bone metastases, management, outcome, and present status.

RESULTS

In the present study, 47 patients of hypercalcemia from various solid malignancies were admitted during the study period between 1st January 2018 and 30th April 2022. Head and neck cancer (14, 29.7%) was the most common site of the primary malignancy. Twelve patients had incidental hypercalcemia and were asymptomatic. Management of hypercalcemia included intravenous saline hydration, bisphosphonates, and supportive medication. At the time of analysis, 17 patients were lost to follow-up, 23 patients died, and seven were alive and on follow-up. Median survival was 68.0 days (95% CI: 1.7-134.3 days).

CONCLUSION

Hypercalcemia of malignancy is considered a metabolic oncological emergency and requires urgent and aggressive management. It gets complicated by a deranged kidney function test. Despite available treatment, it portends an abysmal prognosis.

Treatment of Hypercalcemia of Malignancy in Adults: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

BACKGROUND

Hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM) is the most common metabolic complication of malignancies, but its incidence may be declining due to potent chemotherapeutic agents. The high mortality associated with HCM has declined markedly due to the introduction of increasingly effective chemotherapeutic drugs. Despite the widespread availability of efficacious medications to treat HCM, evidence-based recommendations to manage this debilitating condition are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To develop guidelines for the treatment of adults with HCM.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary panel of clinical experts, together with experts in systematic literature review, identified and prioritized 8 clinical questions related to the treatment of HCM in adult patients. The systematic reviews (SRs) queried electronic databases for studies relevant to the selected questions. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess the certainty of evidence and make recommendations. An independent SR was conducted in parallel to assess patients' and physicians' values and preferences, costs, resources needed, acceptability, feasibility, equity, and other domains relevant to the Evidence-to-Decision framework as well as to enable judgements and recommendations.

RESULTS

The panel recommends (strong recommendation) in adults with HCM treatment with denosumab (Dmab) or an intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate (BP). The following recommendations were based on low certainty of the evidence. The panel suggests (conditional recommendation) (1) in adults with HCM, the use of Dmab rather than an IV BP; (2) in adults with severe HCM, a combination of calcitonin and an IV BP or Dmab therapy as initial treatment; and (3) in adults with refractory/recurrent HCM despite treatment with BP, the use of Dmab. The panel suggests (conditional recommendation) the addition of an IV BP or Dmab in adult patients with hypercalcemia due to tumors associated with high calcitriol levels who are already receiving glucocorticoid therapy but continue to have severe or symptomatic HCM. The panel suggests (conditional recommendation) in adult patients with hypercalcemia due to parathyroid carcinoma, treatment with either a calcimimetic or an antiresorptive (IV BP or Dmab). The panel judges the treatments as probably accessible and feasible for most recommendations but noted variability in costs, resources required, and their impact on equity.

CONCLUSIONS

The panel's recommendations are based on currently available evidence considering the most important outcomes in HCM to patients and key stakeholders. Treatment of the primary malignancy is instrumental for controlling hypercalcemia and preventing its recurrence. The recommendations provide a framework for the medical management of adults with HCM and incorporate important decisional and contextual factors. The guidelines underscore current knowledge gaps that can be used to establish future research agendas.

Clopidogrel-induced Eosinophilia with Hypercalcemia

There are few cases describing the association of eosinophilia with hypercalcemia, and drug-induced eosinophilia with hypercalcemia has not been reported. A 74-year-old man had been diagnosed with asthma 4 months earlier. He was admitted due to eosinophilia with hypercalcemia. Chest computed tomography showed a nodule in the left lung and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. By obtaining a detailed medical history, clopidogrel was suspected as the prime cause of eosinophilia. After the discontinuation of clopidogrel, the eosinophilia with hypercalcemia, lung nodule and mediastinal lymphadenopathy improved. Clopidogrel-induced eosinophilia can potentially cause hypercalcemia. Obtaining a detailed clinical history is important in diagnosing the cause of eosinophilia.

Hypercalcemia Associated with the Ectopic Expression of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1α-hydroxylase in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

An 82-year-old man was transferred to our hospital due to impaired consciousness. His albumin-corrected calcium level was 14.2 mg/dL, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related protein levels were reduced, and his 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25 (OH) 2VitD] level was elevated at 71.5 pg/mL. Computed tomography revealed masses on the bilateral ribs. The mass on the rib was biopsied and diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Immunostaining of the biopsy sample with the anti-CYP27B1 antibody revealed the ectopic expression of 1α-hydroxylase in the lesion. We herein report a rare case of hypercalcemia induced by the overproduction of 1,25 (OH) 2VitD in DLBCL ectopically expressing 1α-hydroxylase.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and malignancy

PTHrP (parathyroid hormone related protein) is an important mediator of malignancy-related tumor progression and hypercalcemia that shares considerable homology and functionality with parathyroid hormone. In this chapter, we review what has been elucidated to date regarding PTHrP's role in malignancies. Starting with a review of calcium metabolism and regulation, we then summarize the discovery and structure of PTHrP and development of sensitive immunoassays for specific measurement. Subsequently, we explore its role in tumor progression, with emphasis on the primary tumor as well as skeletal and non-osseus metastases. We then consider the clinical implications of PTHrP in cancer before concluding with a discussion of both established and potential treatments for malignancy associated hypercalcemia and bone metastases.

Missed diagnosis of lymphoma presenting with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy due to cessation of oncological workup after negative computed tomography scans

Malignancy is the most common cause of hypercalcemia among hospitalised patients and is frequently caused by elevations in parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP). The most common PTHrP-producing cancers are carcinomas of the head, neck and lung. Hypercalcemia can be the presenting sign of cancer and, in these cases, solid tumours are usually discovered on CT scan. In rare cases, lymphoma may also present with hypercalcemia. CT scan is less sensitive for lymphoma than for most solid tumours and the diagnosis may be missed. We present the case of a 69-year-old woman who presented with hypercalcemia in the setting of severe weight loss and elevated PTHrP. Oncological workup was stopped after unrevealing CT scans and an underlying lymphoma was missed. Our case emphasises the need for a comprehensive oncological workup for patients with unexplained hypercalcemia and elevated PTHrP, even when CT scans are unrevealing.

A Rare Case of Sarcomatoid Variant of Mixed Germ Cell Tumor of the Testis Presenting With Malignant Hypercalcemia and Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Hypercalcemia of malignancy is relatively common in several cancers. However, in testicular cancer, paraneoplastic hypercalcemia is uncommon. We describe the first case of severe tumor lysis syndrome associated with hypercalcemia from bone metastasis of testicular origin. Classically, tumor lysis syndrome is associated with hypocalcemia. This was a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Hypercalcemia of Malignancy

Hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM) is considered an oncologic emergency associated with significant symptom burden and increased comorbid conditions and mortality. Underlying pathologic processes most often stimulate osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Although long-term control of HCM depends on effective management of the underlying cancer, temporizing management strategies for acute and/or symptomatic HCM include hydration and antiresorptive bone-modifying agents. Although most patients respond well to the antiresorptive therapies available, further investigation into other agents for those who are refractory to both bisphosphonates and denosumab is needed.

DREAMM-2: Indirect Comparisons of Belantamab Mafodotin vs. Selinexor + Dexamethasone and Standard of Care Treatments in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Introduction

Single-agent belantamab mafodotin (belamaf; BLENREP) demonstrated deep and durable responses in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and ≥ 3 prior lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent, proteasome inhibitor, and anti-CD38 antibody (DREAMM-2; NCT03525678).

Methods

At the time of this study, STORM Part 2, NCT02336815 (selinexor plus low-dose dexamethasone; sel + dex) was systematically identified as the only feasible comparator to the DREAMM-2 cohort. Matching-adjusted indirect comparisons (MAIC) evaluated efficacy and safety of belamaf (2.5 mg/kg; n = 97) versus sel + dex (80 mg + 20 mg, respectively; n = 123). Populations were weighted for clinically validated effect modifiers and prognostic factors. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DoR), overall response rate (ORR), time to response (TTR), and safety. The relative efficacy of belamaf versus standard of care (SoC) on OS was estimated by a Bucher indirect treatment comparison using the MAIC-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for OS of belamaf (DREAMM-2) versus sel + dex (STORM Part 2) and a HR adjusted for refractoriness to carfilzomib and high-risk cytogenetics of sel + dex (STORM) versus SoC (MAMMOTH).

Results

Belamaf demonstrated improved OS (HR 0.53; 95% confidence interval 0.34, 0.83; p = 0.005) and DoR (0.41; 0.21, 0.83; p = 0.013) versus sel + dex. There were no statistically significant differences in ORR, TTR, and PFS. Belamaf had a favorable safety profile for most evaluable hematologic (any-grade, Grade 3–4) and non-hematologic (any-grade) adverse events versus sel + dex. Significantly improved OS was observed with belamaf versus SoC (0.29; 0.16, 0.54; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Single-agent belamaf represents a new treatment option for triple-class refractory patients with RRMM.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-01884-7.

Evaluation of Diagnostic Workup and Etiology of Hypercalcemia of Malignancy in a Cohort of 167 551 Patients Over 20 Years

Context

Hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM) has not been studied in a fashion to determine all possible mechanisms of hypercalcemia in any given patient.

Objective

The 2 objectives were to assess the completeness of evaluation and to determine the distribution of etiologies of HCM in a contemporary cohort of patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with cancer who developed hypercalcemia over 20 years at a single health system. Laboratory data were electronically captured from medical records to identify cases of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-independent hypercalcemia. The records were then manually reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of HCM, document the extent of evaluation, and determine underlying etiology(ies) of HCM in each patient.

Results

The initial data set included 167 551 adult patients with malignancy, of which 11 589 developed hypercalcemia. Of these, only a quarter (25.4%) had assessment of PTH with a third of the latter (30.9%) indicating PTH-independent hypercalcemia. Of those with PTH-independent hypercalcemia, a third (31.6%) had assessment of PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) and/or 1,25-dihydroxy (1,25-OH) vitamin D and constituted the 153 cases of HCM examined in this study. Eighty-three of these patients had an incomplete evaluation of their HCM. The distribution of etiologies of HCM was therefore determined from the remaining 70 patients who had assessment of all 3 possible etiologies (PTHrP, 1,25-OH vitamin D, and skeletal imaging) and was as follows: PTHrP, 27%; osteolytic metastases, 50%; and 1,25-OH vitamin D, 39%, with combinations of etiologies being common (approximately 20%).

Conclusion

HCM is incompletely evaluated in many patients. The distribution of etiologies of HCM in this report differs significantly from the previous literature, warranting further study to determine whether its causes have indeed changed over time.

Preoperative Low Serum Calcium Levels Predict Poor Prognosis for Patients with Esophageal Cancer

Purpose: Hypercalcemia has been reported as a poor prognostic factor in malignant tumors. However, no report has shown the clinical impact of serum calcium levels on patients with esophageal cancer. We evaluated the prognostic impact of preoperative serum calcium levels on patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods: We evaluated 240 patients (197 men, 43 women; mean age, 66 years; age range, 34–85 years) with esophageal cancer who underwent radical surgery between September 2008 and December 2017. After assigning the patients to two groups (high calcium group, 8.8 mg/dL or more and low calcium group, 8.7 mg/dL or less), we compared the groups’ overall survival and the clinicopathological features. The clinicopathological and prognostic significance of preoperative serum calcium levels were evaluated in a univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results: The patients with deep tumors showed low serum calcium levels significantly more frequently (P <0.05). The low calcium group showed a significantly worse prognosis than the high calcium group (P <0.05). However, low serum calcium level was not an independent poor prognostic factor.

Conclusions: Preoperative low serum calcium levels were associated with advanced tumors. Low serum calcium might be associated with esophageal cancer progression.

Disorders of Divalent Ions (Magnesium, Calcium, and Phosphorous) in Patients With Cancer

Disorders of the divalent ions (magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous) are frequently encountered in patients with cancer. Of these, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, and hypophosphatemia are seen most commonly. These electrolyte disturbances may be related to the underlying malignancy or due to side effects of anticancer therapy. When caused by a paraneoplastic process, these abnormalities may portend a poor prognosis. Importantly, the development of severe electrolyte derangements may be associated with symptoms that negatively impact quality of life, preclude the administration of critical chemotherapeutic agents, or lead to life-threatening complications that require hospitalization and emergent treatment. In accordance, prompt recognition and treatment of these disorders is key to improving outcomes in patients living with cancer. This review will discuss selected derangements of the divalent ions seen in this population, with a focus on paraneoplastic and therapy-associated etiologies.

Severe hypercalcemia in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-small cell lung carcinoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Hypercalcemia is a common finding in patients with advanced-stage cancers. Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia is commonly associated with dismal prognoses, with survival rates of about 3 months. In this paper, we report on a patient with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-small cell lung carcinoma who developed severe hypercalcemia and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this metabolic complication.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 56-year old male with a 2-year history of Rai stage IV chronic lymphocytic leukemia presented with life-threatening hypercalcemia. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed a suspicious lung lesion. A transbronchial biopsy was performed from the upper left lobe. Due to the small size of the specimen, immunohistochemical markers were performed and revealed positive staining for cytokeratin 7 and negative for TTF-1, napsin A and p 40, which were consistent with non-small cell lung carcinoma.

DIAGNOSIS

Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy was diagnosed.

INTERVENTION

The patient was treated with saline infusion, calcitonin, intravenous pamidronate, followed with denosumab.

OUTCOMES

The hypercalcemia was successfully treated and the patient's calcium levels returned to normal. Further evaluation revealed a non-small cell lung carcinoma as a second primary malignancy. The patient was treated with venetoclax for his refractory CLL and received chemotherapy and immunotherapy for lung adenocarcinoma. Several days after starting venetoclax, he developed Legionella pneumonia and short time after the second course of chemotherapy, a severe sepsis occurred and he passed away.

LESSONS

Coexistence of 2 unrelated malignancies, whichever could be a reason for hypercalcemia of malignancy is a rare event. Severe hypercalcemia, which is possible but rare feature of CLL should be a reason for further prompt evaluation.

Can conventional clinical chemistry tests help doctors in the monitoring of oncology patients?

The use of laboratory assays in the diagnostic care of oncology patients can markedly increase the efficacy of cancer treatments. Many cancer-specific biomarker assays have been developed. However, the use of these has some limitations due to their cost. Moreover, not every diagnostic laboratory can perform a complete set of these assays. On the other hand, the smart use of conventional clinical chemistry tests could improve the management of cancer. They could be especially valuable tools in the long-term care of patients with a verified diagnosis. In this review, we discuss the utilization of the conventional clinical chemistry assays for the diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of various oncological diseases. The use of conventional blood tests to assess the levels of chemical elements, metabolites and proteins (including enzymatic activity measurements) in the care of oncology patients is discussed. We have shown that some clinical chemistry assays could be used in the management of distinct kinds of cancer.

Hypercalcemia of Malignancy and Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Hypercalcemia of malignancy confers a poor prognosis. This systematic review evaluated published cases of hypercalcemia of malignancy presenting with acute pancreatitis (AP), in terms of clinical presentation and outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of PubMed and Embase until March 18, 2020, was conducted. Studies were included if they reported on patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy and AP with attempts to exclude other etiologies of hypercalcemia and AP. Two independent reviewers selected and appraised studies using the Murad tool.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven cases were identified. Mean (standard deviation) age was 44.8 (2.46) years. Mean (standard deviation) presenting corrected calcium was 14.5 (0.46) mg/dL. Parathyroid carcinoma (21.6%) and multiple myeloma (21.6%) were the most common malignancies. Cases were classified as severe (37.8%), mild (21.6%), and moderately severe (18.9%), whereas 21.6% did not report severity. Necrotizing pancreatitis developed in 21.6% of cases. Most cases were treated with intravenous hydration and bisphosphonates or calcitonin/calcitonin analogues. Mortality was 32.4% during the same presentation of AP. Among mortality cases, 10 of 12 had severe AP, and 5 of 12 had necrotizing pancreatitis. Degree of hypercalcemia did not influence mortality.

CONCLUSION

Acute pancreatitis associated with hypercalcemia of malignancy is rare. One in 3 patients with this presentation may not survive AP.

Frequency of Parathyroid Hormone Assessment in the Evaluation of Hypercalcemia. A Comparison Between Patients With and Without a History of Malignancy in a 20-year Dataset of 20,954 Patients

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a prior diagnosis of malignancy affected the assessment of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in hypercalcemic patients and whether the rate of this assessment changed over time.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was designed that included adult patients with hypercalcemia with and without a history of malignancy between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2019 in the Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS). The overall and annual rates of PTH assessment in each group was determined. In patients with a PTH assessment, duration of time and number of elevated serum calcium levels between the first documentation of hypercalcemia and the assessment of PTH were recorded, as was the degree of hypercalcemia.

Results:

Approximately a quarter (23%) of the patients in each group had a PTH assessment. The rate of PTH assessment initially increased over time but later declined significantly. Although a more severe degree of hypercalcemia predicted a greater probability of PTH assessment, the rate of assessment declined with all degrees of hypercalcemia in the last 5 years. While most patients who had a PTH assessed did so within a few months of the first documentation of hypercalcemia, less than half (40%) had a delay of more than 2 years before a PTH level was drawn.

Conclusion:

This lack of appropriate and timely assessment may have significant health consequences in both groups of patients. Better education of providers about the appropriate and timely assessment of PTH in the evaluation of hypercalcemia is urgently needed.

Controversies in the use of new bone-modifying therapies in multiple myeloma

Bone-modifying therapies are essential in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. Zoledronic acid is preferred over other bisphosphonates due to its superiority in reducing the incidence of skeletal-related events and improving survival. The anti-receptor activator of nuclear factor-κΒ ligand (RANKL)-targeted agent denosumab has shown its non-inferiority compared to bisphosphonates in preventing skeletal-related events among newly diagnosed patients with myeloma bone disease. Denosumab may confer a survival benefit in patients eligible for autologous transplantation. Denosumab may present a safer profile for patients with renal impairment. Discontinuation of bone-directed therapies can be considered for patients with deep responses and after an adequate time period on treatment; however, a rebound effect may become evident especially in the case of denosumab. Three-monthly infusions of zoledronic acid or at-home denosumab administration should be considered during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Measures to prevent hypocalcaemia, renal toxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaw are important for all bone-modifying agents.

Development of a clinical diagnostic tool to differentiate multiple myeloma from bone metastasis in patients with destructive bone lesions (MM-BM DDx)

BACKGROUND

Most patients with destructive bone lesions undergo a comprehensive diagnostic procedure to ensure that proper treatment decisions are pursued. For patients with multiple myeloma, this can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation. This study was conducted to develop a diagnostic rule that could serve as a tool for early identification of multiple myeloma and promote timely referral of patients to haematologists.

METHODS

The clinical prediction rule was developed using a retrospective case-series of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and those with bone metastasis (BM) at Chiang Mai University Hospital from 2012 to 2015. Multivariable fractional polynomial logistic regression was used to derive a diagnostic model to differentiate between MM and BM patients (MM-BM DDx).

RESULTS

A total of 586 patients (136 MM patients and 450 BM patients) were included. Serum creatinine, serum globulin, and serum alkaline phosphatase were identified as significant indicators for the differentiation of MM and BM patients. The MM-BM DDx model showed excellent discriminative ability [AuROC of 0.90 (95%CI 0.86 to 0.93)] and good calibration.

CONCLUSIONS

This MM-BM DDx model could potentially allow for early myeloma diagnosis and improvement of overall prognosis. A prospective validation study is needed to confirm the accuracy of the MM-BM DDx model prior to its application in clinical practice.

Calcium Alkali Thiazide Syndrome: What We Need to Know

Depending on each institution's laboratory test, mean serum calcium levels range between 8.8 and 10.8 mg/dL and hypercalcemia is defined as two standard deviations above the mean. According to recent epidemiological studies, 90% of cases of hypercalcemia are due to hyperparathyroidism or malignancy. Milk Alkali syndrome (MAS) also known as Calcium Alkali syndrome (CAS) is the third biggest cause of hypercalcemia, but its incidence seems to be higher than previously thought. Here we present a case of Calcium Alkali Thiazide syndrome (CATS) in a 57-year-old female who was on calcium and vitamin D supplements (after parathyroidectomy) while also taking thiazide diuretic for hypertension. She was brought to the ED with nausea, vomiting, confusion, difficulty walking along with numbness in extremities. She had parathyroidectomy three weeks ago. During history taking, patient reported intake of calcium carbonate 1 g three times daily, calcitriol 0.5 mcg twice daily, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) 10,000 units once daily, chlorthalidone 25 mg once daily and irbesartan 300 mg once daily. At admission, her calcium level was 23 mg/dL, ionized calcium 12.03 mg/dL, pH was 7.59 and HCO3 was 33. She was in renal failure with creatinine of 1.9 mg/dL (baseline 0.8 mg/dL). Her parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 0. A diagnosis of CATS was made. She was treated with intravenous fluids and furosemide and discharged home on hospital day 5 after her calcium and creatinine levels normalized. A triad of hypercalcemia, acute kidney injury and metabolic alkalosis comprises MAS. Traditional MAS was caused by "Sippy diet" (containing milk and alkali) used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Over the decades, the same triad of symptoms occurred in patients using excess calcium and vitamin D, hence changing the name to CAS. A subset of patients at risk for CAS also use thiazide diuretics for hypertension, making them more vulnerable to hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury. In such subset of patients, it is preferable to use the term CATS rather than MAS or CAS.

Primary Colonic Lymphoma With Paraneoplastic Hypercalcemia

Primary colonic lymphoma is a rare tumor accounting for 0.1%–0.5% of all colorectal malignancies. We describe a 63-year-old man whose initial presentation was altered mental status due to hypercalcemia. Physical examination revealed a hard, right-sided abdominal mass. Abdominal computed tomography showed a mass in the ascending colon, which on further evaluation with colonoscopy and biopsy was diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. A diagnosis of primary colonic lymphoma was made based on the Dawson criteria, after ruling out any extracolonic involvement. Workup for hypercalcemia showed elevated calcitriol levels, which is a paraneoplastic manifestation of the lymphoma.

Bisphosphonate Versus Bisphosphonate and Calcitonin for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Hypercalcemia of Malignancy

BACKGROUND

Historically, intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates with calcitonin are the treatment of choice for hypercalcemia of malignancy. However, evidence is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the use of bisphosphonate versus bisphosphonate with calcitonin for moderate to severe hypercalcemia of malignancy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study evaluating patients who received bisphosphonate and/or calcitonin for treatment of moderate to severe hypercalcemia of malignancy. Patients received usual care plus either (1) bisphosphonate or (2) bisphosphonate with calcitonin. The primary outcome was change in corrected serum calcium concentrations 48 hours after treatment. Secondary outcomes included corrected calcium levels, incidence of normocalcemia and hypocalcemia, time to normocalcemia, hospital length of stay, and cost avoidance.

RESULTS

The 48-hour decrease in corrected calcium was less in the bisphosphonate group than in the combination group (2.4 [1.6-3.4] vs 3.9 [3.5-5.3]; P < 0.001). However, initial calcium levels in the combination group were higher than in the bisphosphonate group, and calcium levels at 24, 48, and 72 hours were similar. Secondary outcomes did not differ. Average cost avoidance with bisphosphonate monotherapy was $11 248 per patient and $291 448 per year.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In the treatment of moderate to severe hypercalcemia of malignancy, IV bisphosphonate in combination with calcitonin resulted in a higher difference in corrected calcium levels at 48 hours compared with bisphosphonate therapy alone. However, corrected calcium levels in the first 72 hours, time to normocalcemia, and clinical outcomes were similar. The addition of calcitonin increases cost without substantial clinical benefit, and providers may consider avoiding calcitonin.

Hypercalcemia Is of Uncertain Significance in Patients With Advanced Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate

Hypercalcemia in the setting of prostate cancer is rare with an uncertain pathophysiology and more research is needed into the role of parathyroid hormone-related peptide as a growth factor and possibly target-directed monoclonal antibody therapies.

Mixed Serous and Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Ovary Presenting with Symptomatic Hypercalcemia: A Case Report and Clinical Considerations

INTRODUCTION

Hypercalcemia is a common phenomenon in patients with cancer but is more common among certain cancer types. Hypercalcemia in ovarian cancer is the common presenting sign in small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type; however, there are no known documented cases of hypercalcemia as the presenting sign for mixed serous and clear cell adenocarcinoma. This case report describes symptomatic hypercalcemia as the presenting sign of mixed serous and clear cell carcinoma of the ovary.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 60-year-old woman with a medical history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented to the outpatient clinic with weakness, nausea, emesis, constipation, and an unintended 9-kg (20-lb) weight loss. Her calcium level was elevated at 15.7 mg/dL (reference range = 8.5-10.3 mg/dL). She was treated for hypercalcemia and subsequently admitted to the hospital 4 times because of recurrence of symptoms. On outpatient workup, she was noted to have an abnormal positron emission tomography scan showing intense activity in the uterus consistent with malignancy. An exploratory laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and lymph node staging was performed, and pathologic findings demonstrated high-grade ovarian carcinoma with serous and clear cell features.

DISCUSSION

Hypercalcemia is a rare but possible primary presenting symptom of ovarian cancer. In these patients, serum calcium measurements could possibly serve as a tumor marker for disease.

Hypocalcemia in cancer patients: An exploratory study

Introduction

Calcium has several physiological functions and when it registers abnormal serum levels those functions may be impacted with potentially severe consequences. There is much research on hypercalcemia in cancer patients, but there are no recent studies on the prevalence of hypocalcemia in those patients. However, there has been an evolution in oncology, namely, new drugs that may directly or indirectly result in hypocalcemia. The primary aim was to explore the association of hypocalcemia with the diverse types of cancer. The secondary aim was to study the influence that hypocalcemia might have on survival.

Methods

Review of the records of patients ≥18 years old, with total calcium <2.0 mmol/L measured in 2013 in a cancer center.

Results

Eight hundred twenty-nine patients were included. Four hundred thirty-nine (53%) were male. The median age was 63 years. The most frequent cancer diagnoses were hematological 196 (24%) and colorectal 111 (13%). Six hundred thirty-eight patients had measured serum albumin, with a median of 25.5 g/L (14-47). When corrected for albumin level, calcium was in the normal range in 210 (33%) cases. The median survival of patients with corrected calcium lower than normal was 479 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 309-649) and that of patients with normal corrected calcium was 62 days (95% CI: 33-91), P < .001. In a multivariate analysis, age, primary cancer, and albumin were significantly associated with survival.

Conclusion

Hypocalcemia is associated with several types of cancer. A low calcium level is not by itself a factor of a poor prognosis since other factors seem to be more important.

Hypercalcemia in T-Cell/Histiocyte-Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma: An Unusual Presentation of a Rare Disease and Literature Review

T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL) is an extremely rare morphologic subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), accounting for only 1-3% of total cases. It is considered an aggressive lymphoma with a poor prognosis. Hypercalcemia has been described as an uncommon presenting symptom of patients with DLBCL in several case reports. Here, we report an unusual case of severe hypercalcemia in a patient who was ultimately diagnosed with T-cell/histiocyte-rich B-cell lymphoma. A 69-year-old male patient presented to our hospital with nausea, vomiting, weakness and unintentional weight loss. His initial blood tests showed a serum calcium level of 16.1 mg/dL and serum creatinine level of 3.25 mg/dL. He had high intact parathyroid hormone (PTH, 6.8 pg/mL), mildly elevated 25-hydroxyvitamin D and serum PTH-related peptide (PTHrP). To exclude malignancy, computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis were performed which were unremarkable. A bone marrow biopsy was performed to detect any hidden hematologic malignancy which showed large mononuclear cells with prominent nucleoli and occasional Reed-Sternberg cells, consistent with the diagnosis of THRLBCL. Subsequent positron emission tomography demonstrated diffuse fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. This case reports a unique presentation of a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We highlight the importance of pursuing a thorough workup for causes of hypercalcemia as well as understanding the underlying mechanisms of severe hypercalcemia in malignancy.

Epidemiology, clinical features, and management of severe hypercalcemia in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND

Severe hypercalcemia (HCM) is a common reason for admission in intensive-care unit (ICU). This case series aims to describe the clinical and biological features, etiologies, treatments, and outcome associated with severe HCM. This study included all patients with a total calcemia above 12 mg/dL (3 mmol/L) admitted in two ICUs from January 2007 to February 2017.

RESULTS

131 patients with HCM were included. HCM was related to hematologic malignancy in 58 (44.3%), solid tumors in 29 (22.1%), endocrinopathies in 16 (12.2%), and other causes in 28 (21.3%) patients. 108 (82.4%) patients fulfilled acute kidney injury (AKI) criteria. Among them, 25 (19%) patients required renal replacement therapy (RRT). 51 (38.9%) patients presented with neurological symptoms, 73 (55.7%) patients had cardiovascular manifestations, and 50 (38.1%) patients had digestive manifestations. The use of bisphosphonates (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.27-0.67; P < 0.001) was the only treatment significantly associated with a decrease of total calcemia below 12 mg/dL (3 mmol/L) at day 5. ICU and Hospital mortality rates were, respectively, 9.9% and 21.3%. Simplified Acute Physiologic Score (SAPS II) (OR, 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.1; P = 0.03) and an underlying solid tumor (OR, 13.83; 95% CI 2.24-141.25; P = 0.01) were two independent factors associated with hospital mortality in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

HCM is associated with high mortality rates, mainly due to underlying malignancies. The course of HCM may be complicated by organ failures which are most of the time reversible with early ICU management. Early ICU admission and prompt HCM management are crucial, especially in patients with an underlying solid tumor presenting with neurological symptoms.

Palliative Volume Resuscitation in a Patient with Cancer and Hypercalcemia: Why Bother?

Hypercalcemia of malignancy affects 2%-2.8% of cancer patients and is associated with an increased risk of mortality and other symptom-related complications. Standard treatment consists of fluid resuscitation, intravenous bisphosphonates, and calcitonin. Little is known, however, about the benefits of treatment of malignant hypercalcemia in patients with late-stage terminal cancer. We present a case of a hospice patient with squamous cell lung cancer brought to our hospital with newly altered mental status who was found to have hypercalcemia of malignancy. Our discussion centers on the diagnostic dilemma of deciding which patients seeking comfort-focused care may benefit from fluid resuscitation for symptoms of hypercalcemia of malignancy while maintaining the unambiguous goal of comfort care.

A Case of Humoral Hypercalcemia of Malignancy Secondary to Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Fulminant Clinical Course

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common liver malignancies in the United States. Poor prognosis is associated with paraneoplastic syndromes such as hypercalcemia, hypercholesterolemia, or hypoglycemia. Hypercalcemia as a paraneoplastic syndrome of hepatocellular carcinoma has been rarely reported. We report a mortality case of incidentally diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma associated with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. The patient demonstrated a fulminant disease course with an unexpected fatal outcome within 40 days of initial diagnosis. Our case can suggest importance of early definitive treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, extremely close monitoring, and aggressive medical treatment when it is associated with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy.

Prevalence and clinical significance of hypercalcemia at diagnosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

The reported prevalence of hypercalcemia at diagnosis in non-Hodgkin-lymphoma ranges between 1.3% and 7.4%. These studies included all patients, regardless of lymphoma subtype. We performed a retrospective case-control study to determine the prevalence of hypercalcemia at time of diagnosis in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Among 250 newly diagnosed patients, 46 (18%) had hypercalcemia. When compared with age-sex matched patients and normal calcium levels, those with hypercalcemia had higher levels of LDH, lower levels of albumin and more advanced stage. These differences were translated to shorter progression-free-survival and overall survival, but only in patients with hypercalcemia and low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). These findings suggest that in newly diagnosed patients with DLBCL, hypercalcemia is more frequent than previously appreciated. Furthermore, lymphoma-related but not primary hyperparathyroidism-related hypercalcemia is associated with adverse prognostic factors and adverse clinical outcomes in DLBCL. Hence, PTH should be obtained in patients with DLBCL and hypercalcemia at diagnosis.

Elevated admission serum calcium phosphate product as an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients

BACKGROUND

Increased serum calcium-phosphate product (CaP) can result in acute kidney injury (AKI) due to tubular and interstitial calcium phosphate deposits. CaP of > 55 mg²/dL² is also associated with systemic calcification. However, the risk of AKI development among hospitalized patients with different admission calcium-phosphate product levels remains unclear.

METHODS

All adult hospitalized patients who had both admission serum calcium and phosphate levels available from 2009 through 2013 were enrolled. Admission CaP was categorized based on its distribution into six groups (<22, 22- < 27, 27- < 32, 32- < 37, 37- < 42 and ≥42 mg²/dL²). The odds ratio (OR) of in-hospital mortality by admission CaP, using the CaP category of < 22 mg²/dL² as the reference group, was obtained by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

After excluding patients with end-stage renal disease, without serum creatinine measurement, and those who presented with AKI at the time of admission, a total of 9,864 patients were studied. In-hospital AKI occurred in 1,478 patients (15.0%). The incidence of AKI among patients with admission CaP < 22, 22 to < 27, 27 to < 32, 32 to < 37, 37 to < 42, and ≥42 mg²/dL² was 11.1%, 12.4%, 14.9%, 15.2%, 17.5%, and 19.9%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, a CaP ≥37 mg²/dL² was associated with an increased risk of developing AKI with OR of 1.53 (CI 1.19-1.96) and 1.63 (CI 1.25-2.14) in patients with admission CaP 37- < 42 and ≥42, respectively. Subgroup analysis based on eGFR consistently demonstrated that CaP ≥37 mg²/dL² was associated with an increased risk of developing AKI in both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and non-CKD patients.

CONCLUSION

Elevated admission CaP was independently associated with an increased risk for in-hospital AKI.

Cancer- and Chemotherapy-Induced Musculoskeletal Degradation

Mobility in advanced cancer patients is a major health care concern and is often lost in advanced metastatic cancers. Erosion of mobility is a major component in determining quality of life but also starts a process of loss of muscle and bone mass that further devastates patients. In addition, treatment options become limited in these advanced cancer patients. Loss of bone and muscle occurs concomitantly. Advanced cancers that are metastatic to bone often lead to bone loss (osteolytic lesions) but may also lead to abnormal deposition of new bone (osteoblastic lesions). However, in both cases there is a disruption to normal bone remodeling and radiologic evidence of bone loss. Many antitumor therapies can also lead to loss of bone in cancer survivors. Bone loss releases cytokines (TGFβ) stored in the mineralized matrix that can act on skeletal muscle and lead to weakness. Likewise, loss of skeletal muscle mass leads to reduced bone mass and quality via mechanical and endocrine signals. Collectively these interactions are termed bone-muscle cross-talk, which has garnered much attention recently as a prime target for musculoskeletal health. Pharmacological approaches as well as nutrition and exercise can improve muscle and bone but have fallen short in the context of advanced cancers and cachexia. This review highlights our current knowledge of these interventions and discusses the difficulties in treating severe musculoskeletal deficits with the emphasis on improving not only bone mass and muscle size but also functional outcomes. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.