"Ghosts in my body": Seizure-like presentation of hypocalcemic tetany secondary to hypomagnesemia in a patient receiving cetuximab therapy for metastatic medulloblastoma.
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol
; 36(4): 305-7, 2014 May.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23426003
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.
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Renal Tubular Transport, Inborn Errors
/
Tetany
/
Cerebellar Neoplasms
/
Electrolytes
/
Hypercalciuria
/
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
/
Medulloblastoma
/
Nephrocalcinosis
/
Antineoplastic Agents
Limits:
Child, preschool
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol
Journal subject:
HEMATOLOGIA
/
NEOPLASIAS
/
PEDIATRIA
Year:
2014
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Colombia