Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome (STLS) is a rare oncologic emergency caused by acute and massive death of tumor cells before the initiation of any anticancer therapy. It is commonly associated with aggressive hematological malignancies; however, it has been more frequently recognized in multiple solid tumors. Our literature search of STLS in solid tumors revealed common characteristics including extensive metastatic disease and increased levels of uric acid and lactate dehydrogenase. In this report, we describe, to our knowledge, the first case of STLS caused by a renal cell carcinoma and discuss the need for developing screening guidelines for this deadly syndrome.