Prolonged Hypocalcemia Following a Single Dose of Denosumab for Diffuse Bone Metastasis of Gastric Cancer after Total Gastrectomy

Abstract

Hypocalcemia is a significant adverse effect of denosumab. We herein report a case of prolonged hypocalcemia in a patient with multiple risk factors for hypocalcemia, including gastrectomy, increased bone turnover, and a poor performance status. Hypocalcemia developed after denosumab treatment for diffuse bone metastasis of gastric cancer, despite oral supplementation with vitamin D and calcium. To avoid serious prolonged hypocalcemia, a thorough assessment of the bone calcium metabolism is required before initiating denosumab treatment.