MSI Press Blog

  🦴 How Bone Cancer Triggers Hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia in cancer is often caused by bone metastases —when cancer cells invade bone tissue and stimulate osteoclasts , the cells that break down bone. This breakdown releases calcium stored in the bones into the blood. The more aggressive or widespread the bone involvement, the higher the risk. There are two main pathways: Direct bone destruction : Seen in cancers like multiple myeloma, breast, lung, and prostate cancer that metastasize to bone. Paraneoplastic hormone production : Some tumors produce parathyroid hormone–related peptide (PTHrP) or excess calcitriol (vitamin D) , which also increase calcium levels. 🧬 Cancers Most Likely to Cause Hypercalcemia via Bone Involvement Multiple myeloma : Directly affects bone marrow and causes extensive bone breakdown. Breast cancer : Frequently metastasizes to bone. Lung cancer : Can cause hypercalcemia through both bone metastases and PTHrP production. Prostate cancer : Often...

  For Carl, hypercalcemia didn’t just show up in lab results—it appeared as brain fog, confusion, and instability . He fell several times, a common outcome when calcium disrupts muscle and nerve function. These symptoms led him to the ER repeatedly, where doctors gave him IV infusions to quickly lower calcium levels. 💉 What’s in the ER Shots or Infusions? According to clinical guidelines, ER treatment for hypercalcemia of malignancy typically includes: IV fluids (saline) : The first step, flushing calcium through the kidneys. Bisphosphonates (pamidronate, zoledronic acid) : IV drugs that block bone breakdown and reduce calcium release. Denosumab : A targeted antibody used when bisphosphonates aren’t enough. Calcitonin injections : Fast-acting hormone therapy that lowers calcium within hours, though only short-term. Steroids : Sometimes used in lymphoma-related hypercalcemia. Dialysis : Reserved for severe cases with kidney failure. Carl received IV bisphosphonates/deno...

  Hypercalcemia is a serious but treatable complication of cancer. It occurs when calcium levels in the blood rise too high, often signaling advanced disease. Recognizing its symptoms and understanding its causes can help patients and caregivers respond quickly. 🩺 What is Hypercalcemia? Hypercalcemia means higher-than-normal calcium levels in the blood . Calcium is essential for strong bones, muscle movement, nerve signaling, and heart rhythm. But when levels climb too high, the body’s systems are disrupted, leading to dangerous complications. 🎯 Which Cancers Are Linked to Hypercalcemia? Hypercalcemia is most often seen in advanced cancers . The cancers most commonly associated include: Breast cancer Bone cancer Lung cancer Kidney cancer Prostate cancer Multiple myeloma Leukemia and lymphoma Head and neck cancers Gastrointestinal cancers 🔬 How Does It Happen? Cancer can cause hypercalcemia through several mechanisms: Bone metastases : Tumors spread to bone, re...

  check the American Cancer Society website for a ton of information about bone cancer Carl had bone cancer, one of the five cancers that took him out of this life. It was the bone cancer that caused him some of his greatest daily living problems because it caused frequent eruptions of hypercalcemia . One does not hear about bone cancer as often as some other cancers, but while probably the liver cancer was the most lethal (of Carl's cancers), bone cancer caused him the most anguish. Now, there appears to be some new treatment that is highly successful.  Read about it here:  Groundbreaking bone cancer treatment achieves 99% success rate (msn.com) . For other Cancer Diary posts, click  HERE . Blog editor's note: As a memorial to Carl, and simply because it is truly needed, MSI Press is now hosting a web page,  Carl's Cancer Compendium , as a one-stop starting point for all things cancer, to make it easier for those with cancer to find answers to questions that c...