The use of dichloromethylene diphosphonate for the management of hypercalcaemia in multiple myeloma

Abstract

The effects of the diphosphonate, dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP), were assessed in 19 patients with hypercalcemia and increased bone resorption due to myeloma. Cl2MDP (800-3200 mg daily by mouth or 300 mg daily by i.v. infusion) decreased plasma Ca and biochemical indices of increased bone resorption in 16 of 19 patients. This effect perisisted for the duration of treatment (up to 14 wk). Prolonged treatment was associated with a progressive rise in serum alkaline phosphatase and only a transient fall in hydroxyproline, suggesting the stimulation of bone repair. Since myeloma is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to progressive bone loss, long-term treatment of myeloma with Cl2MDP is apparently worthy of further study.