Tumor Lysis Syndrome: A Rare Complication of Chemotherapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a fatal complication of chemotherapy treatment. It is rarely seen in the treatment of solid tumors particularly in breast cancer. We presented the case of a chemo-naive 58-year-old Caucasian woman who developed tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) after a single treatment dose of gemcitabine for metastatic breast cancer. Despite optimal management, the patient clinically deteriorates and is referred to inpatient hospice. Although targeted chemotherapy options have become increasingly effective, physicians should be aware of the rare, yet often fatal complications of TLS. Similarly, physicians should be able to quickly recognize the development of TLS to ensure swift and effective prophylaxis or treatment.