A review of clinical and laboratory findings and treatment of tumor lysis syndrome

Acute tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) has started to be considered a separate entity or condition associated with bulk tumor treatment. TLS is described as the biochemical disturbances associated with rapid destruction of tumor cells with subsequent synchronised massive release of cellular breakdown products sufficient to overwhelm excretory mechanisms and the body's normal reutilization capacity. The cardinal signs of TLS are: hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia and hyperuricemia. This review comprehensively discusses the differential diagnosis, pathophysiology and clinical features, possible causal indications for laboratory monitoring and treatment options of TLS. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.