Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40837924›Full record

ArticleCureus2025

Small-Cell Lung Cancer Presenting as Hypercalcemia.

Sandra Abadir, Ariel Ahl, Harendra Ipalawatte, Kin Lam, Zain Mehdi

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Sandra AbadirInternal Medicine, Los Robles Regional Medical Center, Thousand Oaks, USA.
Ariel AhlInternal Medicine, Los Robles Regional Medical Center, Thousand Oaks, USA.
Harendra IpalawatteInternal Medicine, Los Robles Regional Medical Center, Thousand Oaks, USA.
Kin LamInternal Medicine, Los Robles Regional Medical Center, Thousand Oaks, USA.
Zain MehdiInternal Medicine, Los Robles Regional Medical Center, Thousand Oaks, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Hypercalcemia of malignancy is a common and life-threatening complication in cancer patients, typically seen in advanced breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and non-small-cell lung cancer. In contrast, it is rare in small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), where parathyroid hormone levels remain mostly within the normal range despite elevated calcium. We present a case of hypercalcemia in a patient with SCLC and discuss its clinical implications. A 67-year-old male with a significant smoking history and a history of hypertension and atrial fibrillation presented with symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, excessive thirst, and pleuritic chest pain. Laboratory tests revealed elevated calcium levels (12.2 mg/dL) and signs of organ involvement. Imaging studies suggested metastatic disease, and a liver biopsy confirmed a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor consistent with SCLC. Further investigation showed suppressed parathyroid hormone and low parathyroid hormone-related peptide levels. Lytic bone lesions were not identified on imaging. Despite hydration therapy, the patient's hypercalcemia was refractory, and intravenous zoledronic acid was initiated, improving his encephalopathy. He chose comfort measures and passed away several days later. The patient's hypercalcemia was refractory to hydration, and bisphosphonate therapy was initiated with partial improvement. Despite treatment, the patient's prognosis remained poor, and he transitioned to palliative care. Hypercalcemia in SCLC, though rare, often indicates a poor prognosis and may be related to mechanisms such as cytokine production or bone marrow involvement. The management of hypercalcemia requires rapid intervention, primarily through intravenous hydration. Bisphosphonates and other adjunct therapies may be necessary for refractory cases. Early palliative care discussions are essential, as these patients typically have a limited life expectancy.

Indexed as

hypercalcemialung canceroncologic emergencyparathyroid hormonesmall-cell carcinoma

Identifiers

PMID40837924
PMCPMC12364015

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