hypercalcemia of malignancy management

  • related:Oncology
  • tags: #literature #hemeonc

  • fluids and lasix
  • bisphosphonates (zoledronic acid, pamidronate): most effective agents. Inhibit bone resorption. Can lower Ca to normal in a few days.
  • denosumab: considered alternative to zoledronic acid. Better for kidney failure patients
  • calcitonin: increases kidney excretion and decrease bone resorption. Works in several hours1
  • steroids: good for stopping peripheral conversion of vitamin D (lymphoma, myeloma). Inhibits osteoclastic absorption
  • dialysis: can get away without most of the time unless there’s significant AKI, CHF, neurologic impairment2

Footnotes

  1. MKSAP Oncologic Urgencies and Emergencies

  2. CHEST fellow course 2024 Heme Onc Emergencies