Summary

• Defined as a combination of metabolic and electrolyte abnormalities occurring spontaneously or following initiation of cytotoxic treatment in patients with cancer. It is characterised by excessive cell lysis.
• Most commonly associated with highly proliferative, bulky, chemosensitive malignancies, such as lymphomas and leukaemias.
• Laboratory tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is characterised by a combination of any 2 of hyperuricaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hyperkalaemia, or hypocalcaemia. Clinical TLS is defined as laboratory TLS with either an increased serum creatinine, cardiac arrhythmia, seizure activity, or sudden death.
• Identification of high-risk patients and appropriate preventive management significantly reduces the risk of developing the syndrome. Vigorous hydration in combination with hypouricaemic agents constitutes the cornerstone of both prevention and treatment.