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"Ghosts in my body": Seizure-like presentation of hypocalcemic tetany secondary to hypomagnesemia in a patient receiving cetuximab therapy for metastatic medulloblastoma.
- Source :
-
Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology [J Pediatr Hematol Oncol] 2014 May; Vol. 36 (4), pp. 305-7. - Publication Year :
- 2014
-
Abstract
- Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody specific for epidermal growth factor receptor, is increasingly used off-label and in early-phase trials for pediatric malignancies. Here, we report a patient with metastatic medulloblastoma receiving therapy with cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, and cetuximab. During evaluation for possible seizures, he was noted to be severely hypocalcemic, hypokalemic, and hypomagnesemic, a consequence of the blockade of renal epidermal growth factor receptor expression. His symptoms rapidly abated with intravenous electrolyte repletion. This case highlights the clinical heterogeneity of tetany and the importance of careful laboratory screening for known adverse effects of chemotherapy, particularly when newer biological agents are used off-study in combination chemotherapeutic regimens.
- Subjects :
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized administration & dosage
Antineoplastic Agents administration & dosage
Cerebellar Neoplasms pathology
Cetuximab
Child, Preschool
Humans
Male
Medulloblastoma pathology
Neoplasm Metastasis
Seizures chemically induced
Seizures drug therapy
Tetany chemically induced
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized adverse effects
Antineoplastic Agents adverse effects
Cerebellar Neoplasms drug therapy
Electrolytes administration & dosage
Hypercalciuria chemically induced
Hypercalciuria drug therapy
Medulloblastoma drug therapy
Nephrocalcinosis chemically induced
Nephrocalcinosis drug therapy
Renal Tubular Transport, Inborn Errors chemically induced
Renal Tubular Transport, Inborn Errors drug therapy
Tetany drug therapy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1536-3678
- Volume :
- 36
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23426003
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1097/MPH.0b013e318282d99c