Tumor lysis syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome can occur in any patient with rapid tumor cell proliferation and massive tumor cell death after treatment. It is commonly seen in acute leukemia and highly malignant lymphoma; less commonly in patients with solid tumors, such as small cell lung cancer, malignant germ cell tumors, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumor lysis syndrome has the following characteristics: metabolic abnormalities such as hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia leading to hypocalcemia. In a few severe cases, acute renal failure, severe arrhythmias (such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation), and DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) may also occur. Clinicians should identify patients at high risk for tumor lysis syndrome, strengthen prevention and monitoring, and initiate treatment immediately once it is detected.