Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Rare Complication

Spontaneous tumour lysis secondary to gastric adenocarcinoma

We present a case of a man in his 70s who presented with worsening rectal and back pain associated with weight loss, dyspnoea and brownish discolouration of urine. Physical examination noted abdominal distention and epigastric tenderness. Laboratory investigations revealed acute kidney injury, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia and hyperuricaemia. Contrast CT of the abdomen/pelvis showed multiple, low-density masses throughout the liver, suspicious for metastatic disease. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated a large, fungating, infiltrative and ulcerated mass in the gastric body and lesser curvature of the stomach. Surgical pathology confirmed invasive moderately differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. He met both the laboratory and clinical criteria for spontaneous tumour lysis syndrome (STLS) as per the Cairo-Bishop criteria. He was managed with aggressive fluid hydration, rasburicase and allopurinol, resulting in improvement in his renal function and laboratory findings. STLS of solid organ tumours, especially gastric adenocarcinoma, is rare and requires early detection with timely management to ensure favourable outcomes.

Afatinib-Induced Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially fatal oncological emergency that typically develops during the treatment of rapidly proliferating malignancies. It is infrequently reported in solid tumors, such as pulmonary adenocarcinoma. A 59-year-old male patient with shortness of breath presented with a 3.3 cm × 3.0 cm mass in the right upper lobe, along with massive right-sided pleural effusion. A percutaneous needle biopsy was performed, and a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation was made. The patient was treated with afatinib because of the malignant pleural effusion and multiple metastases to the intrathoracic lymph nodes, left scapula, and brain. After 4 days of afatinib treatment, he developed oliguric acute kidney injury and progressively worsening dyspnea. Based on the clinical and laboratory findings, the patient was diagnosed with afatinib-induced TLS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of afatinib-induced TLS in pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome in patients with solid tumors: a scoping review of the literature

No systematic synthesis of all cases of spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome (STLS) in adult patients with solid tumors is available to date. Herein, we aim to recognize specific STLS characteristics and parameters related to a worse prognosis. We conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials, cohorts, case-control studies, and case reports. The primary endpoints were death and the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) due to STLS. We estimated crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) via univariate binary logistic regression. We included one cohort of 9 patients and 66 case reports of 71 patients [lung cancer 15(21.1%)]. Regarding the case reports, most patients [61(87.1%)] had metastatic disease [liver 46(75.4%)], developed acute kidney injury [59(83.1%)], needed RRT [25(37.3%)], and died due to STLS [36(55.4%)]. Metastatic disease, especially in the liver [p = 0.035; OR (95%CI): 9.88 (1.09, 89.29)] or lungs [p = 0.024; 14.00 (1.37, 142.89)], was significantly associated with STLS-related death compared to no metastasis. Cases resulting in death had a significantly higher probability of receiving rasburicase monotherapy than receiving no urate-lowering agents [p = 0.034; 5.33 (1.09, 26.61)], or the allopurinol-rasburicase combination [p = 0.023; 7.47 (1.40, 39.84)]. Patients receiving allopurinol were less likely to need RRT compared to those not receiving it or those receiving rasburicase. In conclusion, current anecdotal evidence demonstrated that metastatic disease, especially in the liver and lungs, may be associated with STLS-related death compared to no metastatic status. Careful surveillance of high-risk cases within larger studies is essential to identify markers predicting morbidity or mortality.

Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome Secondary to Metastatic Small Cell Lung Cancer

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncology emergency caused by the lysis of tumor cells that releases cell contents into the blood. TLS is typically associated with leukemia following the initiation of chemotherapy. Spontaneous TLS has been seen in hematologic malignancies, but the incidence of spontaneous TLS in solid tumors is rare, and only nine cases have been reported in small cell lung carcinoma. We present a case of a patient who presented with severe metabolic acidosis and electrolyte abnormalities consistent with TLS. At presentation, our patient was found to have small cell lung carcinoma with metastasis to the liver. This patient was managed with bicarbonate, rasburicase, allopurinol, and calcium replacement and started on continuous renal replacement therapy, but unfortunately was transitioned to comfort care and passed away. Risk factors for spontaneous TLS include bulky disease, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, elevated white blood cell counts, renal compromise, and abdominal organ involvement. The most common laboratory findings for TLS include metabolic acidosis and hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, and hypocalcemia. Cases of spontaneous TLS, however, have been noted to have smaller elevations in phosphate levels. Spontaneous TLS is a rare but potentially fatal complication that can be seen in small cell lung carcinoma.

A Case of Spontaneous Tumor Lysis After Pathologic Femur Fracture in Squamous Cell Lung Cancer

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) occurs when large numbers of tumor cells lyse and release their contents, causing electrolyte derangements and renal injury. It is an uncommon complication of solid tumors and occurs most commonly after cytotoxic therapy rather than spontaneously. In this article, we describe a case of spontaneous TLS in a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. We also present a literature review of spontaneous TLS occurrence in solid tumors.

Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency, more commonly occurring in patients with hematologic malignancies receiving cancer-directed therapy due to massive cellular breakdown. Spontaneous TLS is rare and occurs in the absence of cancer-directed therapy. Herein, we present a case of spontaneous TLS associated with squamous cell carcinoma.

A case of spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: A rare oncologic emergency

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency. It generally occurs after chemotherapy but sometimes develops spontaneously in hematologic malignancy, such as leukemia. TLS is a rare phenomenon in patients with solid tumors, particularly when it develops spontaneously. Here, we present a case of spontaneous TLS (STLS) in a patient with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). We report a case of STLS in a 59-year-old male patient who presented with dyspnea and oliguria. Clinicians should suspect TLS in patients with malignancy, who demonstrate the classic electrolyte abnormalities of TLS even if not receiving treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Evaluation of Rasburicase Use in the Fraser Health Authority: A Retrospective Review

BACKGROUND

Rasburicase, a recombinant urate oxidase, is restricted in the Fraser Health Authority (FHA) to the "treatment of acute or at high risk of tumour lysis syndrome [TLS], when other therapeutic options are not suitable". The manufacturer's recommended dosage is 0.2 mg/kg daily for up to 7 days. Given the high cost of this drug, several studies have investigated other strategies and found that a single dose, repeated as needed, is effective in reducing serum uric acid. However, there are currently no guidelines in FHA for the use of rasburicase, which may result in different prescribing practices within the health authority.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the prescribing of rasburicase in FHA, including indications and doses, and to report the uric acid-lowering effects of rasburicase and any clinical outcomes, such as dialysis or death.

METHODS

This retrospective descriptive chart review included adult patients receiving care in FHA for whom rasburicase was prescribed between June 1, 2010, and November 30, 2016. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics and results.

RESULTS

The prescribing practices for rasburicase in this health authority were largely inconsistent, but the most common dose administered was 3 mg (8/12 [67%] among those receiving rasburicase for prophylaxis and 9/32 [28%] among those receiving rasburicase for treatment; combined total 17/44 or 39%). Regardless of dose, rasburicase reduced serum uric acid levels to less than 476 μmol/L and decreased the risk of TLS.

CONCLUSIONS

Having a uniform approach-involving a single dose that can be repeated as needed-for prevention and treatment of elevated serum uric acid levels could result in sufficient reduction of uric acid levels with fewer doses and lower cost. The results of this study support the need for a resource in FHA to guide and standardize the use of rasburicase.

Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome Secondary to Small-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Unknown Origin: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review

Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome (STLS), in the absence of prior chemo or radiation therapy, is rare with solid tumors. Here, we present a case of STLS secondary to a small-cell neuroendocrine tumor of unknown origin in a 66-year-old female patient who presented with abdominal discomfort. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen showed a large tumor mass with peritoneal metastasis, and she developed renal failure from STLS, resulting in the need for hemodialysis. Due to the progressive deterioration and the comorbidities, she opted for comfort care. Timely recognition and intervention of STLS is critical. Further studies evaluating STLS in solid tumor patients are recommended.

Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome in a Patient with Metastatic Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report

Tumor lysis syndrome is an oncologic emergency that usually occurs after chemotherapy in patients with hematologic malignancies. Tumor lysis syndrome is rare in cases of solid tumors, especially when it occurs spontaneously. Herein, we present a case of spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome in a 55-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea and was found to have extensive metastatic small cell lung cancer. She developed acute oliguric renal failure and multiple electrolyte abnormalities requiring hemodialysis. The findings of this case suggest that clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for patients with malignancies who demonstrate the classic symptom of laboratory abnormalities even in the absence of chemotherapy.

Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Small Cell Lung Cancer

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a life-threatening oncologic complication caused by the lysis of a vast number of malignant cells resulting in metabolic derangements and organ dysfunction. TLS can occur spontaneously before initiation of any therapies often referred to as spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome (STLS), or shortly after the induction of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or cytolytic antibody therapy. TLS is vastly seen in patients with hematological malignancies with high rapid cell turnover rates such as Burkitt lymphoma, acute myelogenous leukemia, and acute lymphocytic leukemia, and is rarely observed in solid tumors. However, TLS can occur in solid tumors, and there are multiple reports in the literature on the occurrence of TLS in various solid tumors. In this article, we report a case of STLS in small cell lung cancer followed by a brief review of the occurrence of TLS and STLS in small cell lung cancer.