Hypocalcemia associated with estrogen therapy for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate

S A Vogelgesang; J M McMillin

doi:10.1016/S0022-5347(17)41918-5

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Hypocalcemia associated with estrogen therapy for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Hypocalcemia associated with estrogen therapy for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate

S A Vogelgesang and J M McMillin

The Journal of urology, Vol.140(5), pp.1025-1027

11/1988

DOI: 10.1016/S0022-5347(17)41918-5

PMID: 3172354

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Abstract

We report 2 cases of true hypocalcemia (not caused by decreased binding proteins) associated with metastatic prostate cancer and review previously reported cases. Hypocalcemia is a common but frequently unrecognized complication of prostatic cancer. Estrogen therapy often is associated with the hypocalcemia, which may be asymptomatic. The hypocalcemia is always associated with osteoblastic metastases and usually it is associated with increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity, acid phosphatase activity and serum parathyroid hormone concentration. Serum concentrations of magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin D frequently are decreased. Patients are in a positive calcium balance. The osteoblastic metastases seem to act as a calcium sink, creating a "hungry tumor phenomenon". The role of estrogens may be to stop the resorption of normal bone resulting in lower serum calcium concentrations.

Bone Resorption - drug effects

Diethylstilbestrol - therapeutic use

Calcium - metabolism

Diethylstilbestrol - adverse effects

Humans

Bone Neoplasms - secondary

Male

Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use

Adenocarcinoma - drug therapy

Adenocarcinoma - secondary

Bone Neoplasms - metabolism

Adenocarcinoma - metabolism

Hypocalcemia - chemically induced

Aged

Bone Neoplasms - drug therapy

Prostatic Neoplasms - drug therapy

Details

Title: Subtitle: Hypocalcemia associated with estrogen therapy for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate
Creators: S A Vogelgesang - Research Service, Sioux Falls Veterans Administration Hospital, South Dakota
J M McMillin
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: The Journal of urology, Vol.140(5), pp.1025-1027
DOI: 10.1016/S0022-5347(17)41918-5
PMID: 3172354
ISSN: 0022-5347
eISSN: 1527-3792
Language: English
Date published: 11/1988
Academic Unit: Immunology; Internal Medicine; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Record Identifier: 9984094745102771

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