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Clinical Review

Cancer-Related Hypercalcemia
Whitney Goldner, MD

University of Nebraska Medical Center,


Omaha, NE
Abstract
Hypercalcemia has been reported to occur in up to 30% of patients who have a malignancy.
Hypercalcemia is most common in those who have later-stage malignancies and predicts a
poor prognosis for those with it. The most common causes include humoral hypercalcemia
of malignancy mediated by parathyroid hormone–related peptide, osteolytic cytokine
production, and excess 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D production. However, the etiology is not
always mediated by malignancy. Hypercalcemia can occur in those with malignancy and
an additional etiology for hypercalcemia such as primary hyperparathyroidism or
granulomatous diseases. This paper reviews the cancers associated with hypercalcemia
and their proposed mechanisms, nontumor-mediated hypercalcemia, as well as diagnosis
and treatment strategies for each condition.

INTRODUCTION of the serum calcium. Mild or indolent


Hypercalcemia can occur in up to 30% of hypercalcemia can be asymptomatic, or it
persons with a malignancy.1 In severe cases, can be associated with mild nonspecific
hypercalcemia can be associated with neu- symptoms such as lethargy and muscu-
rocognitive dysfunction as well as volume loskeletal pain. In contrast, severe, rapidly
depletion and renal insufficiency or failure. progressive hypercalcemia can be asso-
Individual risk of hypercalcemia depends on ciated with significant volume depletion and
the underlying type and stage of malignancy. acute renal insufficiency, as well as dra-
The estimated yearly prevalence of hyper- matic neurocognitive symptoms ranging
calcemia for all cancers is 1.46% to 2.74%; from altered mental status to coma.
it is four times more common in stage IV Hypercalcemiaisaresultofabnormalities
cancer and associated with a poor prog- in the normal bone formation and deg-
nosis. The most common cancers are lung radation cycle. Bone mineralization is a well-
cancer, multiple myeloma, and renal cell balanced constant cycle of bone formation
carcinoma. These are followed by breast and stimulated by osteoblasts and bone break-
colorectal cancers, and the lowest rates were down (or resorption) stimulated through
reported in prostate cancer.2 Thirty-day osteoclasts. During normal bone turnover,
mortality was previously reported at 50%.3 osteoclast activity is regulated by the binding
However, a recent analysis showed a median of RANK surface receptor on the osteoclast
length of stay of 4 days, and an in-hospital to the receptor activator RANKL on the
mortality rate of 6.8%.4 osteoblast. This binding of RANK/RANKL
Hypercalcemia is categorized accord- regulates osteoclastogenesis. Osteoprotegerin
ing to the serum total calcium level1: mild is secreted by osteoblasts and strongly
ASSOCIATED CONTENT hypercalcemia, 10.5 to 11.9 mg/dL; mod- inhibits bone resorption by binding to
erate hypercalcemia, 12 to 13.9 mg/dL; RANKL, thereby blocking the interaction
See accompanying commentaries
on pages 433 and 435 and severe hypercalcemia, $ 14 mg/dL. between RANK/RANKL. If the interaction
Symptoms are usually dictated by both the between RANK and RANKL is disrupted or
DOI: 10.1200/JOP.2016.011155 level of serum calcium and the rate of change blocked, then the osteoclasts do not mature.

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Hypercalcemia and Malignancy

If there is increased interaction between RANK and RANKL, skeletal tumor burden. It commonly occurs in multiple myeloma
then there is more osteoclastic expression and more bone and metastatic breast cancer and less commonly in leukemia
resorption.5,6 and lymphoma. Previously, the proposed mechanism was direct
Calcium homeostasis is tightly regulated by many hormones, destruction of bone by metastases or malignant cells. However, it
including parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxy is now thought to be because of the release of local cytokines from
vitamin D (1,25[OH] 2 D), calcitonin, serum calcium, and the tumor, resulting in excess osteoclast activation and enhanced
serum phosphorus. 7,8 PTH is produced by the parathyroid bone resorption, often through RANK/RANKL.5
glands. It both increases serum calcium and decreases serum Humoral factors associated with increased remodeling and
phosphorus via direct and indirect stimuli of osteoclasts. It resultant hypercalcemia include interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-3, IL-6,
increases renal calcium absorption and decreases renal phos- tumor necrosis factor a, transforming growth factor a and b,
phorus absorption. PTH also stimulates the conversion of lymphotoxin, and E series prostaglandins.13-15 Macrophage
25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) to 1,25(OH)2D in the kidneys inflammatory protein 1a has also been reported to play a role in
through 1-a-hydroxylase, which results in increased intestinal hypercalcemia associated with multiple myeloma. Macrophage
absorption of both calcium and phosphate.7,8 inflammatory protein 1a was found to be elevated in the bone
In response to hypercalcemia, calcitonin is secreted by marrow of patients with active myeloma, and it is known to
the parafollicular C cells. Calcitonin lowers serum calcium by stimulate osteoclastic formation in human bone marrow
decreasing renal calcium and phosphorus reabsorption and cells.5,16 Local cytokines can also be released in the setting of
also by decreasing bone reabsorption.8 Calcitonin is not sig- metastatic breast cancer bone lesions, such as transforming
nificant in overall calcium homeostasis, but it is an important growth factor b, which stimulate local production of PTHrP.17
therapeutic option. Thus, understanding its mechanism of Extrarenal production of 1,25(OH)2D by the tumor accounts
action is important. for approximately 1% of cases of hypercalcemia in malignancy.1
There have been several proposed mechanisms for In normal vitamin D metabolism, stored vitamin D (25[OH]D)
hypercalcemia associated with malignancies, which include: in the liver is converted to 1,25(OH)2D under the influence of
humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy mediated by increased PTH by renal 1-a-hydroxylase in the kidneys. 1,25(OH)2D
parathyroid hormone–related peptide (PTHrP); local oste- causes increased intestinal absorption of calcium and enhances
olytic hypercalcemia with secretion of other humoral factors osteolytic bone resorption, resulting in increased serum
responsible for hypercalcemia; excess extrarenal activated calcium.18 Extrarenal production is most commonly seen with
vitamin D (1,25[OH]2D); PTH secretion, ectopic or primary; Hodgkinand non-Hodgkin lymphoma1 and has also been reported
and multiple concurrent etiologies. in ovarian dysgerminoma.19 Nonmalignant granulomatous dis-
Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy refers specifically to eases such as sarcoidosis and other inflammatory conditions can
PTHrP-mediated hypercalcemia and was first proposed by Fuller also produce hypercalcemia as a result of extrarenal 1,25(OH)2D
Albright in 1941.9 It is estimated to account for 80% of hyper- production via autonomous 1-a-hydroxylase activity in tissue
calcemia in cancer patients.1,5 This is most commonly seen in macrophages.20
squamous cell carcinomas such as head and neck, esophageal, An additional consideration is vitamin D intoxication. Over-
cervical, lung,1 and colon cancers10 in addition to renal cell,11 the-counter vitamin D usage is common, which can result in
bladder, breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers,1 and it is excess vitamin D and hypercalcemia.21 A distinguishing feature
rarely seen in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.12 PTHrP is of vitamin D intoxication versus extrarenal 1,25(OH)2D pro-
structurally similar to PTH and, like PTH, it enhances renal duction is that in vitamin D intoxication, both 25(OH)D and
tubular reabsorption of calcium while simultaneously increasing 1,25(OH)2D are elevated with a suppressed PTH. Extrarenal
urinary phosphorus excretion. The result is both hypercalcemia production of 1,25(OH)2D can be seen with low or normal
and hypophosphatemia.1,5 However, unlike PTH, PTHrP does 25(OH)D in addition to high normal or high 1,25(OH)2D.
not increase 1,25(OH)2D and thus does not increase intestinal PTH-mediated causes of hypercalcemia also need to be
absorption of calcium and phosphorus. PTHrP acts on osteo- consideredin hypercalcemiaassociated withmalignancy.Ectopic
blasts, leading to enhanced synthesis of RANKL.13 PTH production by the tumor itself is a rare cause, making up
Local osteolytic hypercalcemia accounts for 20% of cases1 fewer than 1% of cases.1 However, primary hyperparathyroidism
and is usually associated with extensive bone metastases and as a result of parathyroid adenoma(s) or hyperplasia can also

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Goldner

occur in patients with malignancy. Overall, primary hyper- Table 1. Laboratory Evaluation of Hypercalcemia
parathyroidism occurs in 1 of 1,000 people; it is three times more
common in women than in men, especially after the age of 45, Confirm hypercalcemia:
Serum total calcium (recheck if only one measurement)
with a peak incidence in the seventh decade.22,23 It is also more
Serum corrected calcium equation:
common in those with a history of head and neck irradiation24,25 0.8 (4.0 2 serum albumin) 1 serum calcium 5 total estimated
and chronic lithium therapy.26 It is estimated that 5% to 10% calcium
of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism are the result of or
Ionized calcium (if total estimated calcium is believed to be unreliable)
hereditary hyperparathyroid syndromes, including multiple
endocrine neoplasia types 1 and 2.27 Parathyroid carcinoma Laboratory evaluations after hypercalcemia is established:
Serum phosphorus
is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism.28
Creatinine with estimated GFR
There have also been many case reports of multiple con- PTH
current etiologies for hypercalcemia in patients with malignancy. PTHrP
One case reported the coexistence of renal cell carcinoma and 25(OH)D
1,25(OH)2D
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, both of which were secreting
PTHrP.29 There are also reports of concurrent primary hyper- Additional laboratory evaluations to consider if diagnosis is still uncertain:
SPEP, UPEP serum-free light chains, serum and urine IFE
parathyroidism and humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy.30-32
Skeletal survey
Vitamin A levels
WORK-UP
Abbreviations: 1,25(OH)2D, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D; 25(OH)D, 25-hydroxy
Obtaining a serum calcium is the first step in the work-up
vitamin D; GFR, glomerular filtration rate; IFE, immunofixation; PTH, para-
of suspected hypercalcemia. Total serum calcium, which thyroid hormone; PTHrP, parathyroid hormone–related peptide, SPEP,
measures both bound and unbound calcium, is most com- serum protein electrophoresis; UPEP, urine protein electrophoresis.
monly used. Forty percent of calcium in serum is bound to
albumin, and calcium homeostasis is greatly affected by and 1,25(OH)2D to evaluate for excess vitamin D production
albumin concentrations.8 Therefore, a current serum albumin or ingestion. The pattern of PTH, PTHrP, 25(OH)D, and
level is necessary for interpretation of the serum calcium level. 1,25(OH)2D values can often be helpful when determining
If the albumin is abnormal, the serum calcium should be the cause of hypercalcemia (Table 2).
corrected for the serum albumin using the formula in Table 1. A serum creatinine with estimated glomerular filtration
If the serum calcium is believed to be inaccurate, then ionized rate (GFR) measurement provides assessment of renal func-
calcium can be used, but this also has its limitations and can be tion, which also has an effect on the serum PTH level. Renal
inaccurate. insufficiency stimulates PTH production because it inhibits
The albumin–calcium system is highly sensitive to pH, and renal 1-a-hydroxylase. If the etiology is not clear with the
changes in pH alter the fraction of calcium ions that are bound to above laboratory tests, and the diagnosis of multiple mye-
albumin. In respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation, the loma is in question, then serum and urine protein electro-
ionized calcium decreases acutely, and reductions in pH can phoresis or immunofixation along with a skeletal survey is
cause the ionized calcium to rise acutely, both resulting in rel- indicated. Rarely, vitamin A toxicity can result in hypercalcemia;
atively rapid shifts.33 Repeat measurements of calcium should be thus serum vitamin A levels can be a consideration if other
done routinely to ensure these are not spurious results. etiologies are not discovered.
Serum phosphorus should also be measured because If the etiology is clear based on the above work-up, then I do
hypercalcemia can be associated with both hyper- and not routinely perform a 24-hour urine analysis for calcium and
hypophosphatemia. Once there is confirmation of hyper- creatinine. However, if the course has been indolent, there is
calcemia, then it should be determined whether it is PTH a family history of hypercalcemia, and the patient does not
or non-PTH mediated. Because the most common cause is have an active cancer that can account for the hypercalcemia,
excess PTHrP, this should also be measured routinely. PTH then a 24-hour urine calcium clearance to creatinine clearance
and PTHrP are similar molecules; therefore, both are not ratio can be valuable to differentiate between primary hyper-
concurrently elevated unless there are multiple etiologies. parathyroidism and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.34 If
Additional laboratory tests include measurement of 25(OH)D the urine calcium clearance to creatinine clearance ratio is low

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Hypercalcemia and Malignancy

Table 2. Laboratory Findings for Specific Etiologies of Hypercalcemia Associated With Malignancy
Etiology PTH PTHrP 1,25(OH)2D 25(OH)D Phosphorus

PTHrP mediated Low High Low or normal Any value Low

1,25(OH)2D mediated Low Low High Low or normal Low

PTH mediated High Low High Low or normal Low

Vitamin D intoxication Low Low High High Normal/high

Abbreviations: 1,25(OH)2D, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D; 25(OH)D, 25-hydroxy vitamin D; PTH, parathyroid hormone; PTHrP, parathyroid hormone–related
peptide.

(, 0.01), then familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia should be intravenous (IV) fluids, specifically isotonic saline, is essential as
suspected, and definitive evaluation can include testing for initial therapy. Patients often require 1 to 2 L as an initial bolus
mutations in the CASR, AP2S1, or GNA11 gene.35 and then maintenance fluids of 150 to 300 mL/h for the next 2 to
3 days or until they are volume replete.
TREATMENT One should exercise caution and administer smaller vol-
Treatment of the underlying malignancy is always the primary umes of isotonic saline in patients with congestive heart failure
goal of therapy. However, additional therapies, especially for or anuric renal failure, as they can become volume overloaded.
moderate to severe hypercalcemia, are essential when simulta- Fluid replacement, however, is first-line therapy for those with
neously treating the underlying malignancy. It is important acute renal insufficiency as a result of volume depletion.
to thoroughly review the patient’s medication list and dis- Furosemide therapy is often discussed as a means to provide
continue any that will worsen hypercalcemia such as calcium, increased calciuresis.1 However, its overall efficacy has been
vitamin D, thiazide diuretics, and lithium.36 The severity of the shown to be limited, and it often exacerbates dehydration and
hypercalcemia and associated symptoms will also dictate the fluid loss.37 Hence, furosemide should be reserved only for
timing and type of therapy. Mild asymptomatic hypercalcemia patients with heart failure and those who need diuresis.13 If
(calcium, 10.5-11.9 mg/dL) may not need to be treated until furosemide is used, other electrolytes such as potassium and
after the work-up has been completed and a diagnosis has phosphorus also need to be monitored and replaced.
been established. However, moderate to severe hypercalcemia
(calcium . 12 mg/dL), especially when associated with severe
renal or neurologic symptoms, requires prompt, often inpatient Hypercalcemia
Treatment mechanisms
management. based on etiology
Essentially all patients with malignancy-associated hyper-
calcemia have increased osteoclastic bone resorption and
increased renal tubular calcium reabsorption.14 Hence, medical
therapy is aimed at inhibiting bone resorption and promoting
Increase calciuresis
renal calcium excretion. Reducing intestinal calcium reab- Reduce PTH
*IV fluids with isotonic
*Calcitonin
sorption is also important in those with increased extrarenal saline

1,25(OH)2D production (Fig 1).

Promoting Renal Calcium Excretion


Patients are generally volume depleted, and many can have Reduce bone
Reduce intestinal resorption
concurrent renal insufficiency as a result. Volume depletion is absorption of calcium *IV bisphosphonates
*Glucocorticoids *SC calcitonin
usually attributed to both decreased oral intake and also a *SC denosumab
component of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus induced by the
hypercalcemia. This causes decreased GFR, renal insufficiency, FIG 1. A treatment approach for hypercalcemia of malignancy. *Treatment
and decreasedurinaryclearanceofcalcium1; thus treatment with mechanism. IV, intravenous; PTH, parathyroid hormone; SC, subcutaneous.

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Reducing Bone Resorption persons with renal insufficiency and end-stage renal disease
Bisphosphonates are first-line therapy and also the mainstay without significant adverse effects, but not routinely.39 Additional
for long-term therapy. Through direct mechanisms they induce adverse effects include bone pain and a flu-like illness for the first 1
osteoclast apoptosis, and through indirect mechanisms acting on to 2 days after the infusion. Osteonecrosis of the jaw has also been
the osteoblasts they can reduce osteoclastic bone resorption. associated with IV bisphosphonates and is more common in
Bisphosphonates affect proliferation and differentiation of those receiving high-dose and prolonged therapy and in those
osteoblasts and prevent their apoptosis, and they can also who have undergone dental procedures while on therapy.42
neutralize the RANKL-mediated stimulation of osteoclasts.14,38 Calcitonin is also used to acutely lower calcium levels.
Bisphosphonates should be given within 48 hours of diag- When used with bisphosphonates, it can lower calcium more
nosis, because it takes approximately 2 to 4 days for them to have rapidly than either agent alone. Unfortunately, tachyphylaxis
effect. The two available preparations in the United States are can occur within 48 hours as a result of downregulation of
pamidronate and zoledronic acid. When compared directly, the calcitonin receptors. However, glucocorticoids can be used to
zoledronic acid was found to be more potent than pamidronate, enhance the effect of calcitonin by upregulating the cell-surface
but both are considered acceptable therapies.39 The median calcitonin receptors and creating new ones on the osteoclast.43
response duration was 32 days with zoledronic acid 4 mg Calcitonin is usually dosed at 4 to 8 IU/kg subcutaneously every
IV and 18 days with pamidronate 90 mg IV. Pamidronate is 6 to 12 hours.14 Interestingly, there is a case report of calcitonin
given at 60 to 90 mg IV over 4 to 24 hours. Zoledronic acid is use for 14 days without evidence of tachyphylaxis in a patient with
given at 4 mg IV over 15 to 30 minutes.13 bisphosphonate-resistant hypercalcemia of malignancy.44
Bisphosphonates, unfortunately, have been associated with Glucocorticoids are also given to treat hypercalcemia caused
nephrotoxicity. This can create a treatment dilemma because by excess extrarenal 1,25(OH)2D and multiple myeloma. Ste-
hypercalcemia is also commonly associated with renal insuf- roids inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption by decreasing tumor
ficiency.Treatmentshouldbereservedforpatientsforwhomthe production of locally active cytokines, in addition to having
benefit outweighs the risk, and dose reduction should be used.5 direct tumorolytic effects. Steroids are usually given as hydro-
In addition to bisphosphonate therapy, adequate hydration can cortisone 200 to 400 mg/d for 3 to 4 days and then prednisone
enhance renal protection and help preserve renal function when 10 to 20 mg/day for 7 days,1 or prednisone 40 to 60 mg/d for
compared with patients who were dehydrated and received 10 days.14 If prednisone is not helpful after 10 days, it should be
bisphosphonates for hypercalcemia.40 discontinued.
The zoledronic acid package insert recommends that in Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody to RANKL;
hypercalcemia of malignancy, patients with mild to moderate hence it will reduce the osteoclast activity and bone resorption.
renal impairment before initiation of therapy (serum creatinine Recent studies have shown that denosumab was more efficacious
, 4.5 mg) do not need dose adjustment. However, it is not than zoledronic acid in delaying or preventing hypercalcemia of
recommended in severe renal impairment (serum creatinine malignancy in patients with advanced cancer including breast
. 4.5 mg/dL). Patients should be adequately hydrated before cancer, other solid tumors, and multiple myeloma.45 It is also
administration of zoledronic acid, and a single dose of 4 mg IV effective in hypercalcemia refractory to bisphosphonates.46
should be given over no less than 15 minutes. Retreatment with Denosumab was given to patients with serum calcium
zoledronic acid 4 mg may be considered for persistent . 12.5 mg/dL and who had received bisphosphonates
hypercalcemia, but no sooner than 7 days after the initial for . 7 days and , 30 days before. Denosumab was dosed
therapy. Renal function must be carefully monitored with as 120 mg subcutaneously on days 1, 8, 15, and 29 and
serum creatinine before additional doses of zoledronic acid are every 4 weeks thereafter; it lowered serum calcium in 64%
given; if renal function has declined, then redosing may not be of patients within 10 days.47 Denosumab is not renally cleared,
appropriate. but the effect may be more pronounced in patients with renal
Dosingofzoledronicacidformultiplemyelomaandmetastatic failure; therefore, dose reduction is recommended to avoid
bone lesions recommends dose reduction according to creatinine hypocalcemia.13 Lower-dose, less-frequent administration of
clearance: GFR . 60 mL/min, 4 mg; GFR 50 to 60 mL/min, denosumab in patients with hypercalcemia and renal dysfunc-
3.5 mg; GFR 40 to 49 mL/min, 3.3 mg; and GFR 30 to 39 mL/min, tion is associated with less hypocalcemia. One recommendation
3.0 mg.41 In rare cases, bisphosphonates have been given to is for 60 mg subcutaneously once or for a single weight-based

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Hypercalcemia and Malignancy

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432 Volume 12 / Issue 5 / May 2016 n Journal of Oncology Practice Copyright © 2016 by American Society of Clinical Oncology
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Hypercalcemia and Malignancy

AUTHOR’S DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Cancer-Related Hypercalcemia

The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated. Relationships are
self-held unless noted. I 5 Immediate Family Member, Inst 5 My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For
more information about ASCO’s conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or jop.ascopubs.org/site/misc/ifc.xhtml.

Whitney Goldner
Leadership: DaVita (I)
Consulting or Advisory Role: Bayer
Research Funding: Eisai, AstraZeneca

Copyright © 2016 by American Society of Clinical Oncology Volume 12 / Issue 5 / May 2016 n jop.ascopubs.org
Downloaded from ascopubs.org by 181.39.12.154 on January 7, 2023 from 181.039.012.154
Copyright © 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved.

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