Tumour lysis syndrome

Question 1

What is tumour lysis syndrome due to?

Answer 1

Rapid death of tumour cells by chemotherapy, leading to a massive release of intracellular contents.

Question 2

What is tumour lysis syndrome related to?

Answer 2

Treatment of high-grade lymphomas and leukaemias

Question 3

What is tumour lysis syndrome triggered by?

Answer 3

Introduction of combination chemotherapy.

Question 4

What are the possible presenting features of tumour lysis syndrome?

Answer 4

Dysuria/oliguria
Abdominal pain
Weakness.

Question 5

What can high risk patients be given prior to starting chemotherapy to prevent tumour lysis syndrome?

Answer 5

IV allopurinol or IV rasburicase

Question 6

What should low risk for tumour lysis patients be given prior to starting chemotherapy?

Answer 6

Oral allopurinol

Question 7

What electrolyte disturbances can occur in someone with tumour lysis syndrome?

Answer 7

High potassium and high phosphate level in the presence of a low calcium