Undifferentiated carcinoma in the cardioesophageal junction which produces parathyroid hormone related protein

Intern Med. 1995 Jul;34(7):695-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.34.695.

Abstract

A 68-year-old man with undifferentiated carcinoma occurring in the cardioesophageal junction accompanied by hypercalcemia is reported. The serum level of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) was remarkably elevated. Serum calcium and PTHrP levels decreased following chemotherapy, but this amelioration was temporary. He died of hypercalcemia. On autopsy, a significant amount of immunoreactive PTHrP was detected in the tumor tissue extract, and the tumor cells were stained strongly positive for PTHrP by immunohistochemistry. This is the first case of undifferentiated carcinoma in the gastrointestinal tract which demonstrated hypercalcemia due to PTHrP produced by the malignant tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma / complications
  • Carcinoma / metabolism*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / complications
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / etiology*
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Parathyroid Hormone / biosynthesis*
  • Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein
  • Protein Biosynthesis*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / complications
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism*

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • PTHLH protein, human
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein