Tumor Lysis Syndrome
Tumor lysis syndrome is a life-threatening oncologic emergency characterized by a severe electrolyte imbalance and elevated uric acid level (hyperuricemia). It occurs when tumor cells break open, releasing their contents into the blood stream. The result is an increase in serum potassium, phosphate and uric acid and a decrease in serum calcium. It typically occurs in patients with blood-based tumors such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute leukemia. Usually tumor lysis syndrome develops after chemotherapy treatment but may also occur spontaneously. Risk factors include large tumor burdens, elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, and underlying renal dysfunction.
Uricase-PEG 20 is being developed into an effective, well-tolerated therapy for the treatment of refractory gout and related indications in which hyperuricemia plays a causative role.