The effects of denosumab on calcium profiles in advanced cancer patients with bone metastases.

Objective: To retrospectively examine the incidence and management of hypocalcemia for patients with bone metastases treated with denosumab.

Methods: Patients who had a record of filling a prescription of denosumab for treatment of bone metastases at the outpatient pharmacy at the Odette Cancer Centre from May 2011 to February 2013 were included in the analysis. Demographic information, previous bisphosphonate usage, calcium and albumin values, and adverse events were obtained using the Sunnybrook Electronic Patient Record system (EPR) and the Oncology Symptom Control and Information Resource (OSCIR).