NCIt definition : A radiopharmaceutical containing methylene diphosphonate (medronate; MDP) complexed
with the gamma-emitting radionuclide technetium Tc 99m with radioisotopic activity
and hydroxyapatite affinity. Upon intravenous administration, skeletal uptake of technetium
Tc 99m methylene diphosphonate occurs as a function of skeletal blood flow and osteogenic
activity. The MDP moiety of this agent has affinity for hydroxyapatite crystals in
bone with abnormal accumulation at sites with increased osteoid mineralization; labeling
of MDP with Tc 99m allows scintigraphic imaging of areas of abnormal osteogenesis
associated with malignant bone lesions.;