Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), caused by massive tumor cell death is one of the potentially life-threatening complications that usually follow chemotherapy for rapidly growing cancer. This syndrome can develop when the destruction of a large number of tumor cells releases breakdown products such as uric acid, potassium, phosphorus, acidic ions, etc. that overwhelm the body?s capacity for excretion. An elevated uric acid level in blood (hyperuricemia) is a serious problem in certain patients. Along with several preventative measures, allopurinol, an agent that prevents formation of uric acid from breakdown products of cancer cells, is generally used in affected patients. A novel recombinant enzyme, rasburicase, has been developed to break down uric acid to a more soluble product for excretion. This agent is better than allopurinol in prevention or treatment of hyperuricemia.
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