Abstract

Tumor lysis syndrome is a rather rare complication in non-small-cell lung cancer, with high mortality. Forty-eight hours after the 8th day administration of the first-course Cisplatin- Gemcitabin chemotherapy, a 62-year-old male patient with the diagnosis of stage 3B non-small-cell lung cancer developed a clinical picture of acute renal failure characterized by metabolic acidosis, hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, uremia and high serum creatinine level. The case given the appropriate treatment for this clinical picture, died in acutely developing dyspneic status 1 month later although his clinical and laboratory findings had improved within one week. Owing to the fast and prominent radiologic contraction of the primary pulmonary tumor 20 days after the initiation of chemotherapy, this metabolic picture was considered to be consistent with tumor lysis syndrome. Considering that tumor lysis syndrome can develop, although rarely, in non-small-cell lung cancer, risk factors should be sought, and optimal hydration be provided before chemotherapy.