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      A RANKL Wrinkle: Denosumab-Induced Hypocalcemia

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          Abstract

          The human monoclonal antibody denosumab inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by binding to receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), which is upregulated by tumor cells. Denosumab is indicated to prevent skeletal-related events (SREs) from osteoporosis and metastatic bone disease. We report a case of denosumab-induced hypocalcemia to highlight potential toxicity and treatment considerations. A 66-year-old man with prostate cancer, small cell lung cancer, and bone metastases presented with fatigue, weakness, and muscle spasm. Sixteen days prior, he received cycle 6 of cisplatin and etoposide, leuprolide, and denosumab (120 mg subcutaneously). His examination demonstrated a slight resting tremor, normal strength, and negative Chvostek sign. Laboratory analysis revealed hemoglobin, 8.0 g/dL; total calcium, 5.2 mg/dL (pre-denosumab, 8.9 mg/dL); and magnesium, 0.7 mg/dL. He initially received two units packed red blood cells, intravenous calcium and magnesium, and vitamin D. During his hospitalization, he required multiple doses of intravenous and oral calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. Despite ongoing oral supplementation, his post-discharge serum calcium fluctuated significantly, requiring close monitoring and frequent dose adjustments. Denosumab’s unique antiresorptive properties yield fewer SREs. The trade-off is increased hypocalcemia risk, which may be severe and require aggressive, prolonged supplementation and monitoring.

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          Author and article information

          Contributors
          917-833-9597 , larissala@gmail.com
          Journal
          J Med Toxicol
          J Med Toxicol
          Journal of Medical Toxicology
          Springer US (New York )
          1556-9039
          1937-6995
          17 March 2016
          September 2016
          : 12
          : 3
          : 305-308
          Affiliations
          [1 ]Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
          [2 ]New York Harbor Veterans Affairs Medical Center and New York University Langone Medical Center Nephrology Section, New York, NY USA
          [3 ]College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY USA
          [4 ]Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University, New York, NY USA
          Author information
          http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8491-1164
          Article
          PMC4996783 PMC4996783 4996783 543
          10.1007/s13181-016-0543-y
          4996783
          26987988
          1d3356be-6e07-47ba-85ac-769b2d4f921a
          © American College of Medical Toxicology 2016
          History
          : 16 December 2015
          : 25 February 2016
          : 2 March 2016
          Categories
          Toxicology Observation
          Custom metadata
          © American College of Medical Toxicology 2016

          Adverse drug reaction,Cancer,Hypocalcemia,Denosumab,Toxicology

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