[The value of the calcitonin test in Paget's disease of bone]

Five untreated patients with Paget's disease and one who had been unsuccessfully treated with porcine calcitonin for 2 years were given 20 mg/kg/day disodic ethydronate. Alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline values were examined and the progress of the calcitonin test was followed. In addition to being of great importance and in line with the other two parameters in following the course of the disease, this test was found to be an excellent pointer to the moment when no further response is being obtained from treatment with calcitonin.