Tumour Lysis Syndrome (Oncology)

Question 1

What is tumour lysis syndrome?

Answer 1

Excessive cell lysis causing metabolic and electrolyte disturbances after cancer therapy has been initiated.

Question 2

What causes tumour lysis syndrome?

Answer 2

> Haem malignancies like ALL, AML and Hodgkins lymphoma

Cancer cells are high proliferating which means they have lots of cell contents. This is released when the cells are lysed by chemotherapy. This causes high release of cell contents including URATE, POTASSIUM and PHOSPHATE. LOW CALCIUM also occurs.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of TLS?

Answer 3

• Nause, vomiting and Diarrhoea
• Muscle weakness, cramps and lethargy
• Anorexia
• hypo/ hypertension and oliguria/ haematuria
• Parasthesia

Question 4

What investigations would you do for TLS?

Answer 4

• Bloods
  
  • ​FBC
  • U/E
  • Creatinine
  • Calcium
  • LDH
  • Phosphate
  • Uric Acid
• ​Urine pH

Question 5

What is the likelihood of TLS?

Answer 5

It is more prevalent in malignancies with high proliferating rates, tumour burden, and chemosensitivity.