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Parathyroid hormone-related protein and hypercalcemia
W Rankin1, V Grill, T J Martin
1The University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
Cancer
|November 15, 1997
Summary
Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH-rP) causes hypercalcemia in cancer patients. PTH-rP also may promote breast cancer growth in bone, contributing to skeletal complications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM) is a cancer complication.
- Previously, inappropriate parathyroid hormone (PTH) production by tumors was suspected.
- Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH-rP) was discovered to explain HHM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PTH-rP in cancer-induced hypercalcemia.
- To explore PTH-rP's potential contribution to breast cancer bone metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Assays for plasma PTH-rP levels in cancer patients.
- Analysis of PTH-rP production in primary breast carcinomas.
- Review of experimental evidence on PTH-rP's role in bone metastasis.
Main Results:
- PTH-rP is the primary mediator of HHM.
- Measurable PTH-rP levels found in HHM patients and those with metastatic breast cancer.
- PTH-rP production is higher in breast cancers with skeletal metastases.
Conclusions:
- PTH-rP is a major cause of cancer-associated hypercalcemia.
- PTH-rP may promote breast cancer growth and skeletal complications.
- Discovery of PTH-rP advanced understanding of cancer's skeletal effects.