Sahar S Nasser, Arwa O Sahal, Anas A Hamad and Shereen A ElAzzazy
Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Pharmaceut Reg Affairs
Background: Bone-targeting agents (BTA) like zoledronic acid (ZA) and denosumab (DE) are approved for prevention of skeletalrelated events (SREs) in patients with bone metastases (BM) including hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM). Hypocalcemia has been observed with both ZA and DE. However, studies showed a higher incidence of hypocalcemia with denosumab. International guidelines do not favor one BTA over the other. Due to the differences in patients� characteristics and treatment related factors; hypocalcemia incidence might differ in varying cancer settings. Primary Objective: Primary objective of the study is to identify the incidence of hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia in ZA and DE groups. Secondary Objective: Secondary objective is to identify the correlation between calcium supplement and calcium level control. Methods: An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted by reviewing patients� electronic records, laboratory and medication reports from August 1st 2015 till July 31st 2016. Adult cancer patients diagnosed with BM secondary to a solid tumor or multiple myelomas and receiving either ZA or DE were included. Other indications for BTA were excluded. BTA administration visits were collected, evaluated and analyzed. Results: A total of 271 patients (1367 visits) were included in our study. Over incidence of hypocalcemia in DE group compared to ZA was (4.1% vs. 3%, OR=0.72, CI 95% [0.43�1.19]). Hypercalcemia was reported in both groups (3.5% vs. 5.3% respectively, CI 95% [0.97�2.4]). Breast cancer was the most common malignancy associated with hypocalcemia (70%) followed by (10%) in both prostate cancer and multiple myelomas. Patients received calcium supplement were 23% less likely to develop hypocalcemia (RR=0.77, CI 95% [0.48�1.23]). Conclusion: Despite hypocalcemia was common in DE group, it was not statistically significant. Adequate calcium intake substantially reduces the risk of hypocalcemia. Our results highlight the importance of preventing hyper and hypocalcemia upon BTAs initiation and during treatment by regular monitoring of calcium levels, and providing calcium supplements accordingly.
Sahar S Nasser has received her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Qatar University, College of Pharmacy (CCAPP accredited) in 2011. She began her pharmacy career at the National Center of Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR). She is also a Clinical Preceptor for undergraduate pharmacy students and got promoted to Senior Pharmacist in 2015. She has recently completed her Post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) Pharmacy Practice Residency in Hamad Medical Corporation (in candidate status for accreditation by ASHP). Her early-career focus was on patient centered care practice and medication safety. Throughout her career, she participated in various educational activities directed to healthcare providers, students and patients. Her main research interest is in improving cancer patients’ outcomes and cancer epidemiology.
Email: snasser1@hamad.qa
Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs: Open Access received 533 citations as per Google Scholar report
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