Current management of malignant hypercalcaemia

The pathogenic mechanisms causing malignant hypercalcaemia are primarily increased bone calcium mobilisation and renal calcium retention. In some reticuloendothelial malignancies, enhanced intestinal calcium absorption may also play a role. Malignant hypercalcaemia is a life-threatening condition, and there are many patients with malignancy in whom suppression of this complication is most desirable. In such cases, successful management of the hypercalcaemia will enable the overall treatment aims, such as tumour removal or ablation, to be achieved. Acute treatment involves the rapid lowering of serum calcium from potentially fatal concentrations, and comprises the use of intravenous rehydration, calcitonin and diphosphonates. In the longer term, other measures may be introduced to maintain and control the calcium concentration while specific antitumour therapy is instituted.