Intravenous etidronate in the management of malignant hypercalcemia.

Abstract

The treatment of hypercalcemia remains a common problem in the management of many patients with cancer. We have used intravenously administered etidronate disodium as a therapy for hypercalcemia in 26 patients with malignant disease. Patients with persistent hypercalcemia despite adequate hydration and a serum creatinine level less than or equal to 1.5 mg/dL were allowed on study. Treatment consisted of intravenously administered etidronate disodium at 7.5 mg/kg/day in 250 mL of saline infused over two hours on 1, 2, 3, or 4 consecutive days. The serum calcium level in 19 (73%) of 26 patients returned to the normal range with a mean response time of 3 +/- 2 days. Similar response rates were seen in patients with a variety of tumors, including breast cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, and multiple myeloma. Intravenously administered etidronate appears to be safe and effective therapy for hypercalcemia in patients with malignant disease.

• Authors: E Ryzen, R R Martodam, M Troxell, A Benson, A Paterson, K Shepard, R Hicks
• Journal: Archives of internal medicine (Arch Intern Med) Vol. 145 Issue 3 Pg. 449-52 (Mar 1985) ISSN: 0003-9926 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3919667 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Etidronic Acid
• Calcium

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Breast Neoplasms (complications)
• Calcium (blood)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (complications)
• Etidronic Acid (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Head and Neck Neoplasms (complications)
• Humans
• Hypercalcemia (drug therapy, etiology)
• Infusions, Parenteral
• Lung Neoplasms (complications)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Multiple Myeloma (complications)
• Neoplasms (complications)