Gallium for hypercalcemia of malignancy
Article Abstract:
Gallium nitrate was originally used as an anticancer drug, but is now being sold as a treatment for hypercalcemia (high blood levels of calcium) in cancer patients, when hydration therapy is not effective. Alternative treatments include the diuretic furosemide, etidronate (a phosphate-containing compound), calcitonin (a hormone modulating calcium metabolism), and plicamycin. Studies suggest that gallium acts to prevent bone resorption, calcium loss from bone. Gallium treatment leads to decreases in urinary excretion of calcium and decreased blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Studies indicate that gallium causes normalization of blood calcium levels in 75 to 82 percent of patients; is more effective than calcitonin; and is at least as effective as etidronate. Comparisons with plicamycin are unavailable. If the patient is not adequately hydrated, gallium can cause development of kidney tubule plugs. Patients with severe kidney disease, and those taking drugs that can cause kidney dysfunction, should not be given gallium. Other side effects include decreased blood levels of calcium and phosphate, but these effects are usually asymptomatic. A five-day infusion of gallium nitrate is apparently effective, but study of its efficacy in repeated doses is needed, as well as further comparison with other medications. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
How to think like a young reader
Article Abstract:
The co-editor of the tabloid RedEye suggests tips on how to make the newspaper more appealing to the youth. She believes that redesigning the websites Metromis site gained RedEye instant credibility in the market with readers through brand recognition for reliable entrainment listings.
Publication Name: Design
Subject: Architecture and design industries
ISSN: 1520-4243
Year: 2005
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Gadgets: Sony MiniDisc Recorder MZ-M100
Article Abstract:
MiniDisc Recorder MZ-M100 of Sony is the best portable digital recorder which records and plays back sound with great fidelity.
Publication Name: Law Office Computing
Subject: Law
ISSN: 1055-128X
Year: 2005
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: