Related Experiment Videos

Quality and Outcomes of Treatment of Hypercalcemia of Malignancy

Jason D Wright1,2,3, Ana I Tergas1,2,3,4, Cande V Ananth1,4

  • 1a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Columbia University , New York , USA.

Cancer Investigation
|June 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

This study found that common treatments for hypercalcemia of malignancy, including bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and glucocorticoids, were not associated with patient morbidity or mortality. Treatment decisions were influenced by tumor site, bone metastases, and illness severity.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Hypercalcemia of malignancy is a serious complication of cancer.
  • Effective management strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze treatment patterns and their association with morbidity and mortality in patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy.
  • To identify predictors of treatment selection for hypercalcemia of malignancy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of a nationwide database.
  • Inclusion of 4,874 patients diagnosed with hypercalcemia of malignancy.
  • Evaluation of treatments including bisphosphonates (pamidronate, zoledronic acid), calcitonin, and glucocorticoids.

Main Results:

  • In-hospital mortality rate was 6.8%.
  • Bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and glucocorticoids were frequently used.
  • Tumor site, bone metastases, and illness severity predicted treatment choices.
  • No significant association found between these treatments and morbidity or mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Current treatment modalities for hypercalcemia of malignancy appear safe regarding morbidity and mortality.
  • Treatment selection is multifactorial, influenced by disease characteristics.
  • Further research may explore optimal treatment algorithms.

Keywords:
CalciumHypercalcemiaMalignancy

Related Concept Videos

Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
10.7K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.9K
Cancer Survival Analysis01:21

Cancer Survival Analysis

Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
843
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

1.5K
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.5K
Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
4.3K