Case report: lanreotide in the management of hypercalcemia of malignancy

The management of hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM) is difficult if the underlying neoplasm cannot be treated successfully. The overexpression of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) by various neoplasms is a common mechanism of HCM and usually is a premorbid event. Current pharmacologic measures to control HCM are directed more toward inhibiting the action rather than inhibiting the secretion of PTHrP. The somatostatin congeners are a novel class of drugs that can inhibit some excessive hormonal states. In this report, the authors summarize an observation made using lanreotide, an investigational somatostatin congener, in treating a patient with a neuroendocrine neoplasm. Lanreotide administration resulted in normalizing the serum calcium levels while decreasing plasma PTHrP concentrations. The chronic administration of lanreotide produced a stable radiographic response and controlled the HCM without adverse side effects. The somatostatin congeners potentially offer another therapeutic modality in managing HCM.