[PTH-like tumor peptide and malignant hypercalcemia]

Certain patients with malignant hypercalcemia display enhanced bone resorption and changes in renal tubular handling of calcium and phosphate similar to those encountered in primary hyperparathyroidism. A tumoral protein probably responsible for this syndrome has recently been described. Produced by a gene other than that of parathyroid hormone, it shows an aminoterminal homology with the physiological hormone. In some respect both proteins exert similar effects. This parathyroid hormone-analogue may also be involved in physiological regulatory functions.