A Serious Complication of Cancer Treatment: Tumor Lysis Syndrome
It generally occurs within hours after the start of cancer treatment.
It may occur due to a rapid response to the treatment.
Cancer cells break down in large numbers and release their contents into the bloodstream.
When cancer cells are destroyed massively, the body may not be able to clear them quickly.
This may induce rapid changes in mineral and salt concentrations in the body.
Tumor lysis syndrome can become fatal.
It needs immediate medical intervention.
Patient awareness is vital in understanding risk and complications.
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How does it affect the body?
The tumor cells release their contents into the blood.
The kidneys may feel overwhelmed, reducing clearance.
It may cause changes in levels of minerals and salts in the body.
- High potassium levels:
High potassium concentration can adversely affect heart function.
- High phosphate levels:
High phosphate levels can form crystals with calcium.
It may affect the kidneys and heart.
It also reduces the calcium in the body.
- High uric acid levels:
Excessive uric acid levels may form crystalline precipitates.
The crystals may deposit in the kidneys.
This may obstruct urine flow or damage kidneys.
- Decrease in calcium levels:
Calcium levels decrease sharply due to high phosphorus.
Low calcium levels severely affect nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and heart rhythm.
How can tumor lysis syndrome be dangerous?
A sudden surge in chemicals and minerals may induce several risks.
- Acute kidney failure
- Fatal arrhythmias
- Seizures and muscle spasm
Factors that may induce tumor lysis syndrome in cancer patients;
- Treatment triggers:
Intensive or sensitive cancer treatment can trigger massive cell destruction.
This releases large amounts of cell content into the bloodstream.
- Tumor characteristics:
Fast-growing cancers of blood cells or certain solid tumors grow rapidly and show a bulk response to the drug.
- A large tumor volume may increase the number of cancer cells in the body.
- High cell turnover, when the cancer cells naturally grow fast and die, may induce rapid activity and release of contents.
- High sensitivity to treatment may also cause a fast response.
- Patient health and conditions:
A person with impaired kidney function or other metabolic conditions may have higher risk.
Symptoms of tumor lysis syndrome:
It does not show any symptoms initially.
It can be detected through laboratory analysis.
The common symptoms may include:
- Changes in urine
- Fluid retention
- Muscle cramps
- Severe weakness
- Neurological changes
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
Common cancers that may be associated with tumor lysis syndrome:
The high-risk cancers include:
- Burkitt lymphoma
- Burkitt leukemia
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Lymphoblastic lymphoma
- High-grade lymphomas
Can tumor lysis syndrome occur without treatment?
It can occur even without treatment.
Bulky tumors or those having fast cell turnover can induce tumor lysis syndrome.
The role of hydration in tumor lysis syndrome-
Hydration plays an important role in preventing and treating the condition.
Hydration helps dilute mineral contents.
A high-volume fluid keeps the kidneys flushing continuously.
Conclusion:
Tumor lysis syndrome does not have obvious symptoms.
It must be identified through blood tests.
It requires regular monitoring of mineral levels.