Hypocalcemia after commencing cetuximab in a patient with oesophageal cancer at Baze University Hospital, Abuja.
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Currently, there is increasing use of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies in the management of cases with advanced cancers. These medications are found to be associated with complications, including dyselectrolytaemia. Cetuximab, an EGFR monoclonal antibody is known to cause electrolyte abnormalities, including hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and hypocalcemia. We report a female patient admitted to our Hospital with advanced oesophageal cancer who developed symptomatic hypocalcemia after commencing cetuximab. Hypocalcaemia was confirmed by measurement of serum total calcium level. Monitoring of electrolyte levels before and after commencement of cetuximab is therefore recommended for early identification of any derangement.
DOI: 10.4314/tjhc.v31i3.8
Authors: Z.A. Mustapha, A.B. Okesina, U.A. Gwaram, S. Sheriff
Institutions: Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Baze University
Language: English
Topic: HER2/EGFR in Cancer Research
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4406243729