Final answer:
For Paget's disease or hypercalcemia of malignancy, bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed to decrease osteoclast activity and manage symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient has Paget's disease or hypercalcemia of malignancy, the typical treatment is the administration of bisphosphonates. These drugs are effective because they reduce the activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone tissue, which is a core problem in Paget's disease. The overactivity of osteoclasts in Paget's disease results in excessive bone resorption followed by the formation of new, but weak and brittle bone. In cases of hypercalcemia of malignancy, bisphosphonates help by reducing the high levels of calcium in the blood. It is crucial for medical professionals to weigh the benefits and risks of bisphosphonate treatment on a case-by-case basis due to potential complications like an increased risk of fractures in treated bone that can become worn out and brittle.