Article Text
Summary
Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that is being increasingly used for the treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of skeletal-related events (SREs) in bone metastases from primary tumours. It has improved efficacy, better tolerability and convenient administration via subcutaneous route, in comparison with bisphosphonates; however, it has been reported to cause severe hypocalcaemia in certain high-risk individuals. We report the case of a 71-year-old man with a history of haemodialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease who developed severe hypocalcaemia with electrocardiographic changes after being started on denosumab for prevention of SREs from a recently diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer. He was admitted to the hospital for close monitoring and received multiple doses of intravenous calcium gluconate, along with haemodialysis with high calcium bath. We aim to highlight the risk of severe, life-threatening hypocalcaemia associated with denosumab and to recognise patients at risk of developing this serious adverse effect, so that prompt treatment and preventive strategies can be implemented.
- calcium and bone
- oncology
- drugs and medicines
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Footnotes
Contributors SS and SP were involved in literature search and drafting of the manuscript. AA and NS were involved in final drafting of the manuscript.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.