Parenteral diphosphonates for treating malignant hypercalcemia.

Two diphosphonates, EHDP (disodium etidronate, or ethanehydroxy-diphosphonate) and Cl2MDP (disodium clodronate, or dichloromethylene-diphosphonate) were injected in various doses in six patients with one or multiple episodes of malignant hypercalcemia. All patients responded well to the drugs after a delay period of two to seven days. The tolerance of the drugs was excellent. EHDP, and especially Cl2MDP, are promising agents for treating hypercalcemia and inhibiting bone resorption in malignant disorders.