Inhibitors of bone calcium resorption are administered to allow high doses
of vitamin D compounds or mimetics to be given with the intent of
treating non-calcium related diseases such as cancer, psoriasis, and
autoimmune disease without the dangers of calcification of kidney, heart,
and aorta. Inhibitors of bone calcium resorption include the
bis-phosphonates, OPG (osteoprotegerin) or the soluble RANKL (receptor
activator of NF-.kappa.B ligand) receptor known as sRANK (soluble RANK
which is the protein expressed by the NF-.kappa.B gene), and function to
block the availability of calcium from bone thereby preventing
hypercalcemia and the resulting calcification of soft tissues. Thus, high
doses of 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 (1,25-(OH).sub.2D.sub.3),
its analogs, prodrugs, or mimetics can be utilized with minimal risk to a
patient. Specifically, alendronate is shown to block the bone calcium
mobilization activity of both 1,25-(OH).sub.2D.sub.3 and its very potent
analog, 2-methylene -19-nor-(20S)-1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3.