The rarity of this tumor does not provide large published series of treatment experience or permit the systematic evaluation of combination therapies.[1,2] The relatively slow cell-doubling time for this tumor makes radical surgery a therapeutic option even for patients with metastatic disease. As stated previously, treatment and control of secondary hypercalcemia must be the initial treatment goal in all patients with hyperparathyroidism. (Refer to the PDQ summary on Hypercalcemia ¹ for more information.)

References

1. Fraker DL: Parathyroid Tumors. In: DeVita VT Jr, Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, eds.: Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005, pp 1521-27. 
   
   
2. Shane E: Clinical review 122: Parathyroid carcinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 86 (2): 485-93, 2001.  [PUBMED Abstract]