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What Causes Hypercalcemia in Cancer Patients?
Published: May 03, 2024
Hypercalcemia, a common condition in cancer patients, can make an already difficult situation worse. This article explores the mechanisms behind this condition and why it matters.
Cancer-Linked Hypercalcemia: An Overview
Hypercalcemia affects 20-30% of cancer patients and is often linked to a poor prognosis. It is most common in cancers like breast, renal, lung, and multiple myeloma. Understanding the mechanisms is crucial for proper treatment and management.
Mechanisms Explained: The Three Main Culprits
There are three main ways cancer causes hypercalcemia: tumor secretion of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), osteolytic metastases releasing local cytokines, and tumor production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Each mechanism affects calcium levels differently.
Why PTHrP Matters in Hypercalcemia
PTHrP is the usual suspect in non-metastatic tumors and some lymphomas, accounting for 80% of cancer-related hypercalcemia cases. It mimics parathyroid hormone actions, causing calcium to rise. This makes it a vital marker for diagnosis and treatment response.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a condition where calcium levels in the blood are higher than normal.
Breast, renal, lung, multiple myeloma, and squamous cell cancers.
It occurs in 20-30% of cancer cases.
PTHrP is a key marker for diagnosing and assessing treatment response.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the causes of hypercalcemia in cancer can lead to better management and treatment outcomes.
References
- Stewart AF. Clinical practice. Hypercalcemia associated with cancer. N Engl J Med 2005; 352:373.
- Gastanaga VM, Schwartzberg LS, Jain RK, et al. Prevalence of hypercalcemia. Cancer Med 2016; 5:2091.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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