Use of clodronate in multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is characterized by bone disease including osteoporosis, osteolytic lesions, pathological fractures and hypercalcaemia leading to pain, immobilization and decrease in the quality of life. Clodronate, a bisphosphonate, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of hypercalcaemia in patients with multiple myeloma. In addition, clodronate reduces the progression of osteolytic lesions and the amount of vertebral fractures and may also relieve pain in these patients. Recent studies suggest that oral clodronate should be considered in the adjunctive treatment of all patients with active multiple myeloma independently of the presence of bone lesions at diagnosis. Due to its safety and efficacy, clodronate seems to have gained an important role in the management of patients with multiple myeloma.