Evaluation of a single fixed dose of rasburicase 7.5 mg for the treatment of hyperuricemia in adults with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of a single 7.5-mg dose of rasburicase compared with single doses of 0.15 mg/kg for the prevention or treatment of hyperuricemia associated with tumor lysis syndrome.


METHODS
Prospective, open-label study using a historical control group.


METHODS
Large, nonprofit community teaching hospital.


METHODS
Seventeen hospitalized patients with cancer and hyperuricemia or a risk for hyperuricemia in the prospective group, and 23 control subjects with cancer who received a weight-based dose of rasburicase.


METHODS
Patients in the prospective group received a single 7.5-mg dose of rasburicase and were followed for a minimum of 96 hours. Control subjects received a single 0.15-mg/kg dose of rasburicase.


RESULTS
Uric acid levels were measured in all patients at baseline, at 12 and 24 hours after dosing, and then daily. In all patients receiving 7.5 mg, uric acid levels returned to normal at 12 and 24 hours. Mean uric acid levels were similar between the 7.5-mg and 0.15-mg/kg groups at 12 hours (1.9 vs 0.99 mg/dl, p=0.12) and at 24 hours (1.34 vs 1.69 mg/dl, p=0.64). Mean reductions in uric acid levels in the 7.5-mg and 0.15-mg/kg groups were, respectively, 82% and 91% at 12 hours (p=0.04) and 87% and 79% at 24 hours (p=0.35). If 26 doses of rasburicase were administered every year, a 7.5-mg dose would save $41,000/year compared with a 0.15-mg/kg dose ($15,750/10 patients treated).


CONCLUSIONS
A single 7.5-mg intravenous dose of rasburicase appeared to have effects similar to those of a single 0.15-mg/kg intravenous dose for the treatment or prevention of hyperuricemia associated with tumor lysis syndrome. This low fixed dose also has the potential to reduce costs.
Reeves
David J
DJ
Department of Pharmaceutical Services, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073, USA.
Bestul
Daniel J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033461:Hyperuricemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015275:Tumor Lysis Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014503:Urate Oxidase / Q000627:therapeutic use*
C469709:rasburicase; D014503:Urate Oxidase