Tumor lysis syndrome.

Patients experiencing acute tumor lysis syndrome require expert and immediate medical and nursing intervention. Attempts are made to minimize possible complications by early management of metabolic abnormalities. The patient who presents with renal failure before treatment may require dialysis before chemotherapy begins. The metabolic disturbances resulting from tumor lysis syndrome usually endure 5 to 7 days because of the "finite period of cytolysis." Proactive preventative therapy may minimize or avert the life-threatening complications of tumor lysis syndrome.