Devita, Hellman, and Rosenberg's Cancer

LWBK1006-39 LWW-Govindan-Review December 12, 2011 20:30

508 DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg’s CANCER: Principles and Practice of Oncology Review

Although plicamycin lowers the calcium levels typically within 12 hours,

side effects including thrombocytopenia and nephrotoxicity limit its use

in patients with severe and refractory hypercalcemia. Calcitonin is safe

and relatively nontoxic, and may result in a rapid decrease in calcium

levels within 2 to 6 hours. In this patient, the calcitonin may provide

a fast improvement in the hypercalcemia, whereas bisphosphonate can

cause a more sustainable effect.