Studies on the pathogenesis of cancer hypercalcemia

The pathogenesis of hypercalcemia in cancer continues to challenge the clinical investigator. Some aspects of this subject have been reviewed, notably with respect to the possible roles of prostaglandins and osteoclast activating factor, with particular reference to breast cancer. There is considerable evidence that the former humoral factor is operative and beginning evidence that the latter may be also. The hope in this continued work is that with better understanding of the mechanisms of hypercalcemia and bone loclization of tumors we will be in a far better position to control and interdict this localization.