Life-threatening tamoxifen-induced hypercalcaemia

Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 1999;11(3):193-5. doi: 10.1053/clon.1999.9041.

Abstract

This case report serves to emphasize two important features of metastatic breast carcinoma. First, that tamoxifen-induced flare, although a rare and self-limiting phenomenon, may be fatal and must thus be recognized and treated promptly. Secondly, those patients presenting with hypercalcaemia, as part of tamoxifen-induced tumour flare, invariably have metastatic disease but they may enjoy a durable prognosis if this is confined to the skeleton.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / chemically induced*
  • Hypercalcemia / pathology
  • Postmenopause
  • Prognosis
  • Tamoxifen / administration & dosage
  • Tamoxifen / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Tamoxifen