title: Rasburicase: an innovative new treatment for hyperuricemia associated with tumor lysis syndrome.
abstract: Rasburicase is a new treatment for hyperuricemia, a metabolic manifestation of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Rasburicase has a unique mechanism of action that allows uric acid byproducts to be easily excreted in the urine. Clinical trials have shown that rasburicase has a rapid onset of action that allows chemotherapy to be delivered on time and prevents hyperuricemia-related complications, including renal compromise. The drug has been used successfully in adults and children. The main side effect of rasburicase is the potential for a hypersensitivity reaction. The drug is contraindicated in patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency because this can precipitate hemolytic anemia. The drug has not been studied in patients with a history of allergies or asthma. Oncology nurses play a major role in the assessment and management of TLS-related complications. They must assess patients for G6PD deficiency and signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction before and during chemotherapy or other therapeutic interventions. Nurses play a direct role in preventing complications related to TLS and contributing to the quality of life in this patient population.
authors.affiliation: jeannine.brant@svh-mt.org
authors.forename: Jeannine M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Brant
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D005260:Female; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015275:Tumor Lysis Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D014503:Urate Oxidase / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D014527:Uric Acid; D014503:Urate Oxidase