Parathyroid-hormone-related protein (PTHrP) messenger RNA was identified by in-situ hybridisation in seven tumours complicated by hypercalcaemia. In addition, among samples from normocalcaemic patients, it was commonly found in tumours of types frequently complicated by hypercalcaemia but was not found in tumours that are rarely complicated by hypercalcaemia. Positive results were obtained with both freshly frozen and archive paraffin-embedded material. These findings support the view that PTHrP is a common cause of hypercalcaemia in malignant disorders.