Successful treatment of tumor lysis syndrome associated with hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report

BackgroundTumor lysis syndrome is a life-threatening complication in the treatment of cancer. However, it rarely occurs in solid tumors, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma.Case presentationWe present a 52-year-old male Asian patient with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy that resulted in tumor lysis syndrome. The patient developed symptoms of oliguria, seizure, hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and increased creatinine. He recovered from it after adequate hydration, correction of metabolic abnormalities, and renal replacement therapy.ConclusionsThis case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion of TLS even in solid tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma, especially with a large tumor burden. It also underscores the need for early intervention in suspected TLS for a successful outcome.