Management of tumor lysis syndrome with a single fixed dose of rasburicase in Asian lymphoma patients: A case series and literature review

Aim: Recently, a number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of a single reduced dose of rasburicase for the management of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in adults. Whether Asian lymphoma patients similarly respond to a single dose of rasburicase is currently unknown. We aim to assess the efficacy of a single dose rasburicase in preventing TLS in Asian lymphoma patients. Methods: This was a single-center case series of adult lymphoma patients at high risk of TLS who received a single fixed dose of rasburicase. Patients had to have their uric acid, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase and electrolytes monitored for at least 24-48 h post-administration. Results: Eleven patients were identified. Majority were Chinese (91%), male (64%) and with a median age of 61 years (range 41-84). All had at least two risk factors for developing TLS. Ten patients received a 6-mg dose and one received 4.5 mg. Prior to rasburicase administration, the mean uric acid level was 835 mu mol/L (range 318-1237 mu mol/L) and the level 24-h post-administration was 186 mu mol/L (range 30-653 mu mol/L) (P < 0.001). Eight patients (73%) experienced an improvement of renal function 72-h post-rasburicase. Normalization of serum electrolytes was achieved within 96 h. Conclusion: Among Asian lymphoma patients who manifested at least two risk factors for developing TLS, a single fixed dose of rasburicase at 6 mg is deemed to be effective for rapidly lowering uric acid levels as well as sustaining reduced levels for up to 72 h.