Treatment with Clodronate in Patients with Hypercalcemia Secondary to Malignancy

Abstract

Dichloromethylen bisphosphonate (clodronate, Cl₂MDP) is a synthetic analogue to pyrophosphate, which inhibits increased bone resorption. This drug was given to 12 patients with hypercalcemia secondary to advanced malignant disease. Clodronate in a daily dose of 1.6 to 3.2 g generally caused a return of the serum calcium values to normal within 5–10 days with a concomitant improvement of symptoms related to the hypercalcemia. Side effects were few. Thus, clodronate appears to be a valuable adjunct for the medical management of patients with malignancy-associated hypercalcemia.