Tumor lysis syndrome in metastatic breast cancer after a single dose of paclitaxel.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency characterized by spillage of intracellular material into the blood caused by disruption of massive load of tumor cells. It is more commonly reported in hematological cancers and can have fatal consequences due to renal and multi-organ failure and arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalance. We describe a case with metastatic breast cancer who presented with TLS after a single dose of paclitaxel, second such case in literature. The development of a risk stratification score to assess the need for hospitalization or close observation of these patients and the documentation of appropriate preventive strategies could help prevent such fatal occurrences. TLS should be included in the differential when cancer patients on treatment present with acute decompensation.