Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a condition that can occur during cancer treatment, in which tumor cells are destroyed very rapidly, suddenly increasing the amount of certain substances in the blood.
Among these substances are potassium, LDH, creatinine, phosphate, and uric acid. Although tumor lysis syndrome can occur in the treatment of any type of cancer, this condition is most frequently observed in the treatment of lymphomas and other hematologic neoplasms.
Patients with high LDH levels before the start of treatment appear to be at greater risk of developing this complication.
Tumor lysis syndrome can impair kidney function (renal failure) and cause cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal changes. Treatment consists of intravenous hydration and correction of blood levels of the substances mentioned above.
