Editorials and Perspectives haematologica | 2008; 93(1) | 9 | Tumor lysis syndrome: current perspective

Tumor lysis syndrome is characterized by agroup of metabolic derangements caused by themassive and abrupt release of cellular compo-nents into the blood following the rapid lysis of malig-nant cells. It is observed most frequently in patients with hematologic malignancies such as acute lym-phoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Burkitt’s lymphoma after the initiation of chemotherapy, although it may also occur in other malignancies, both hematologic and solid tumors. These malignancies share the char-acteristics of a high proliferative rate, large tumor bur-den, or high sensitivity to cytotoxic therapy.1-5 In some cases, tumor lysis syndrome can lead to acute renal failure and even death. The key to the management of tumor lysis syndrome includes awareness of its causes, identification of high-risk patients, implementation of appropriate prophylactic measures, vigilant monitor