[Necessity of Serum Calcium Concentration Measurement for Investigating Hypocalcemia Induced by Denosumab]

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2020 Jul;47(7):1059-1062.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Denosumab is widely used for treating bone metastases in patients with advanced cancer. However, hypocalcemia has been reported as a serious adverse effect during this treatment. Therefore, monitoring serum calcium concentration is essential. During long-term continuous administration ofdenosumab, the burden ofeach blood sampling occasion and medical economics should be clarified; however, the appropriate blood sampling frequency has not yet been confirmed. In the present study, we performed a retrospective investigation of serum calcium concentration after denosumab administration. The results indicated that serum calcium concentration tended to increase with repeated administration. A significant increase was observed at the time ofthe third and sixth administration. This suggested that it was possible to reduce the frequency ofblood sampling during long-term administration ofdenosumab with appropriate calcium supplementation.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Calcium
  • Denosumab / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypocalcemia* / chemically induced
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Denosumab
  • Calcium