Octreotide acetate therapy for hypercalcemia complicating small cell carcinoma of the lung

Abstract

I have reported a rare case of hypercalcemia associated with small cell carcinoma of the lung. Our patient initially had small cell carcinoma of the right bronchial orifice, with metastases to the mediastinum and the lumbar vertebrae. Complete remission was achieved with chemotherapy over the next 3 years, but then three metastatic foci were found in the brain. Subsequently, recurrent small cell carcinoma was identified in the lung, and chemotherapy was resumed. The patient's condition deteriorated over the following 2 months. When intravenous saline failed to control hypercalcemia, octreotide acetate was given. The serum calcium level returned to normal and remained stable, without any other intervention, until the day after octreotide therapy was discontinued. I have discussed hypercalcemia due to bronchogenic carcinoma in terms of incidence in relation to histologic type, mechanisms of pathogenesis, and current treatment methods.