Overview
Tumour lysis syndrome is a complication of cancer treatment. During the treatment, for example by the means of chemotherapy, the tumor cells are broken down. The broken tumour are then released into the bloodstream. The kidneys will try to remove the waste, however, the tumor breaks down too fast that the kidneys cannot handle such load. Tumor lysis syndrome is characterized by high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), high uric acid levels (hyperuricemia), high phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia) and low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). These metabolic derangements can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, numbness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, confusion, joint stiffness, joint pain, irritability, decreased urine output and seizures. When the kidney is unable to filter and excrete the waste products from the blood, it leads to acute kidney injury. Hence, it is important to treat this condition immediately with medications such as allopurinol, rasburicase, sodium bicarbonate, diuretics, and intravenous fluids. In severe cases, dialysis is needed.
