Acute tumor lysis syndrome: assessment and nursing implications

Acute tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a metabolic complication that occurs in some patients with cancer and frequently is triggered by chemotherapy. TLS results from a rapid destruction of a large number of tumor cells, which causes several potentially fatal biochemical changes. If not identified and treated quickly, TLS can result in acute renal failure. TLS often is associated with tumors that have high growth fractions. Typically, these tumors are very sensitive to the effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Fortunately, this complication can be prevented with appropriate medical and nursing management of patients at high risk. This article reviews the pathogenesis and medical treatment of TLS and identifies nursing implications for oncology nursing practice.