Tumor lysis syndrome: pathogenesis and management

Tumor lysis syndrome refers to the metabolic disturbances (hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, and hypocalcemia) associated with lymphoproliferative malignancies which occur secondary to cell lysis. In some patients, tumor lysis results in acute renal failure. The nature and severity of the metabolic alterations are variable and may be influenced by the timing and intensity of chemotherapy, the magnitude of cell lysis, and the general condition of the patient with respect to hydration and glomerular filtration rate. Not only do hyperuricemia and hyperphosphatemia result from tumor lysis syndrome, they also contribute to oliguric acute renal failure in patients with tumor lysis. The pathogenesis of tumor lysis syndrome and current therapeutic strategies are discussed.