Biochemical Evaluation of Patients with Cancer-Associated Hypercalcemia

Abstract

In 50 consecutive patients with cancer-associated hypercalcemia, we measured nephrogenous cyclic AMP, tubular phosphorus threshold, fasting calcium excretion, plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone as determined by four region-specific anitserums. Nephrogenous cyclic AMP excretion was elevated in 41 patients and suppressed in nine (means, 5.85 vs. 0.51 nmol per 100 ml of glomerular filtrate). There was no overlap between these groups.