Treatment of tumour-induced hypercalcaemia in advanced breast cancer patients with three different doses of disodium pamidronate adapted to the initial level of calcaemia.

A group of 38 female patients with advanced breast cancer experiencing the first occurrence of tumour-induced hypercalcaemia (TIH), mostly with osteolytic progressive bone metastases, were included in a prospective calcaemia-adapted study using three different doses of pamidronate (30 mg, 45 mg and 60 mg). Serum calcium normalisation was achieved in 29/38 (76%) patients. Comparison of the response rate in three therapeutic groups confirmed the need for higher doses of pamidronate in moderate TIH. Our study also emphasised the importance of effective anticancer systemic therapy.