Intravenous etidronate in the management of malignant hypercalcemia

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.