OBJECTIVES: To provide a review of the preventive and treatment strategies for tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). DATA SOURCES: Primary and tertiary literature and clinical experience. CONCLUSIONS: The oncology nurse can optimize outcomes in the patient at risk for TLS through a variety of prevention and treatment interventions: (1) aggressive patient monitoring for early identification and treatment; (2) minimize risk factors via thorough medication and nutritional histories, and assurance of proper prophylactic regimens; (3) assessment of optimal routes of drug delivery to assure medication bioavailability; and (4) reinforcement of the above with comprehensive patient education. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Awareness and effective use of prophylactic and treatment regimens related to TLS will positively impact patient outcomes. The oncology nurse is at the front line to identify issues related to effective management of TLS.
OBJECTIVES: To provide a review of the preventive and treatment strategies for tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). DATA SOURCES: Primary and tertiary literature and clinical experience. CONCLUSIONS: The oncology nurse can optimize outcomes in the patient at risk for TLS through a variety of prevention and treatment interventions: (1) aggressive patient monitoring for early identification and treatment; (2) minimize risk factors via thorough medication and nutritional histories, and assurance of proper prophylactic regimens; (3) assessment of optimal routes of drug delivery to assure medication bioavailability; and (4) reinforcement of the above with comprehensive patient education. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Awareness and effective use of prophylactic and treatment regimens related to TLS will positively impact patient outcomes. The oncology nurse is at the front line to identify issues related to effective management of TLS.