THE EFFECTS OF CALCITONIN ON THE METABOLIC DISTURBANCES SURROUNDING WIDESPREAD BONY METASTASES

Abstract

ABSTRACT Seven patients with widespread bony metastases, with and without hypercalcaemia were given porcine or salmon calcitonin in an attempt to reduce that rate of progression of their disease, possibly to reduce pain and to accelerate healing during the course of other endocrine therapy. The latter included the administration of phosphate, steroids, androgens or oestrogens and hypophysectomy. Calcitonin effects were seen to be enhanced by simultaneous administration of phosphate and possibly antagonised by oestrogens. The metabolic changes that did occur, suggested that the rate of healing of metastatic bone disease was increased and the mechanisms of these changes are discussed.