Use of Pamidronate for Hypercalcemia of Malignancy in Renal Dysfunction

Few studies have been conducted investigating the use of bisphosphonates in hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM) in the setting of renal dysfunction.

The primary objective was to compare the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) within 7 days of receiving pamidronate for the treatment of HCM with pre-existing renal dysfunction versus normal renal function at the time of pamidronate administration. The secondary objectives explored the effects of pamidronate doses and infusion rates on the safety and efficacy in those with pre-existing renal dysfunction for the treatment of HCM.

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who received pamidronate for the treatment of HCM at a community teaching hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, from January 1, 2013, to May 31, 2017.

A total of 141 pamidronate administrations were included (116 patients had normal baseline renal function, and 25 patients had pre-existing renal dysfunction before pamidronate administration for the treatment of HCM). Two (8%) patients developed AKI in the pre-existing renal dysfunction group, compared with 4 (3.4%) patients in those without pre-existing renal dysfunction (P = .288). For those with pre-existing renal dysfunction, the incidence of AKI did not differ based on the dosage of pamidronate given (P = .762) or infusion rates (P = .373).

Pamidronate appears to have limited impact on renal function at doses up to 90 mg in the setting of pre-existing renal dysfunction for the treatment of HCM.