Exam 2 - Oncologic Emergencies

Question 1

What does tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) cause?

Answer 1

1. Hyperkalemia
2. Hyperuricemia
3. Hyperphosphatemia
4. Hypocalcemia
5. Acute renal failure

Question 2

TLS management involves aggressive hydration. What urine output do we try to maintain?

Answer 2

80-100 mL/m2/hr

Question 3

Does allopurinol reduce already formed uric acid?

Answer 3

NO, only prevents formation of new uric acid

Question 4

T/F: you should treatment asymptomatic hypocalcemia.

Answer 4

FALSE

Question 5

What is the most life-threatening electrolyte abnormality in TLS?

Answer 5

Hyperkalemia

Question 6

What is the most emergent of all oncologic emergencies?

Answer 6

Malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC)

Question 7

If there is a strong suspicion a patient is experiencing MSCC, what should you do immediately?

Answer 7

Start steroids - dexamethasone 10mg IV, followed by 4mg q6h

Question 8

MSCC treatment options:

Answer 8

1. Radiotherapy (wean off steroids after)
2. Surgery (wean off steroids after)
3. Bisphosphonates in patients with vertebral involvement

Question 9

In which type of cancer is superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome the most common?

Answer 9

NSCLC