Hypocalcemia associated with strontium-89 administration in a patient with diffuse bone metastases from neuroendocrine carcinoma

J Pain Symptom Manage. 2009 May;37(5):923-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2008.05.010. Epub 2008 Nov 28.

Abstract

Metastatic bone disease is often associated with severe pain in cancer patients, and has become an increasingly important quality-of-life issue. Radionuclides, such as strontium-89 (Sr-89), have provided effective palliation of metastatic bone pain. Although strontium follows the biochemical pathways of calcium in the body, changes in calcium homeostasis related to Sr-89 therapy have rarely been reported. We present a case of a 32-year-old male with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma and extensive skeleton metastases who developed profound hypocalcemia after Sr-89 administration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Neoplasms / complications
  • Bone Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / diagnosis
  • Hypercalcemia / etiology*
  • Male
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / complications
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / radiotherapy*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / secondary*
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnosis
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / adverse effects
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / therapeutic use
  • Strontium Radioisotopes / adverse effects*
  • Strontium Radioisotopes / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Strontium Radioisotopes