Tumour lysis syndrome

Efficacy and adverse events of L-Asparaginase administration as a first-line treatment for feline large-cell gastrointestinal lymphoma

L-Asparaginase (L-Asp) is often used to induce remission in feline large-cell gastrointestinal lymphoma (LCGIL). However, no study has evaluated the efficacy and adverse events following the initial use of this drug as a first-line treatment in feline LCGIL. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of cats with LCGIL treated with L-Asp to induce remission. This study included 43 cats. The response rate (RR) after the first administration of L-Asp was 37.2% (Complete remission: 7.0%, partial remission: 30.2%). RR was significantly higher in cases with primary gastric lesions (64.3%) than in those with primary intestinal lesions (24.1%) (P=0.018), and it was also higher in cases without anemia (57.1%) than those with anemia (15.0%) (P=0.009). The most common adverse event was hyperammonemia, which occurred in 10 of 12 cases where we could compare plasma ammonia concentrations before and after the first dose of L-Asp. Plasma phosphate concentrations were also significantly increased (P<0.001) within 24 hr after the first dose. Decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea were also observed in five, three, and seven cases, respectively, and Grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal signs were observed as adverse events in three cases. The median overall survival of all cats was 150 days (range, 5-1,065 days), and the median progression-free survival was 104 days (range, 2-978 days). In conclusion, L-Asp was effective to induce remission, and severe adverse events were uncommon in feline LCGIL.

Acute Tumor Lysis Syndrome: A Metabolic Emergency in Cancer Patients

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) can be a life-threatening complication that occurs following the onset of chemotherapy treatment, most commonly in association with high-grade lymphoproliferative pathologies such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Burkitt lymphoma. The massive cell lysis caused by cytotoxic therapy leads to the rapid release in the blood of intracelullary products and the onset of severe metabolic and electrolytic complications (hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia and hyperuricemia) upto the acute renal failure. This article describes the incidence and pathophysiological basis of TLS, focusing on the new therapeutic strategies implemented over the last few years, especially with regard to the treatment of hyperuricemia. In particular, it highlights the characteristics of a recent drug, Rasburicase, as a safe and effective alternative, compared to traditional allopurinol therapy, for prophylaxis and treatment of children with hyperuricemia induced by chemotherapy.

Hydration effect on kidney function and serum electrolyte in children with tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) and risk of TLS

OBJECTIVES

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a life-threatening oncology emergency disorder, which may cause acute kidney injury (AKI), arrhythmias, seizures, and sudden death. Hydration is used to prevent TLS in medium-high risk patients, and treatment in TLS patients. According to the pediatric protocol in Dr. Soetomo District General and Teaching Hospital, close monitoring is required to prevent the progression of hematological malignancy towards TLS. The study aimed to analyze the hydration effect on potassium, calcium, and phosphate levels; serum creatinine (sCr); and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level.

METHODS

This was an observational and prospective study conducted at Dr. Soetomo District General and Teaching Hospital for four months on 15 pediatric hemato-oncology patients who got TLS and in risk of TLS. Laboratory parameters were observed in 11 days, pre and post hydration.

RESULTS

Among the 15 patients who met the inclusion criteria, there were eight TLS patients and seven TLS risk patients. After hydration administration 67% of TLS patients achieved normal potassium level, 75% achieved normal phosphate level, 0% achieved normal calcium level, and 50% achieved normal sCr and BUN levels. Meanwhile, TLS risk patients reached normal level in all parameters. This difference in performance is caused by disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydration can maintain serum electrolytes and renal function in a normal range, preventing TLS in TLS risk patients. In TLS patients, hydration only tends slow the progression of the disease.