Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome in a patient with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma: a case report

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency that usually occurs after initial treatment of a malignant tumor. It manifests as hyperuricaemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia and hypocalcaemia, ultimately resulting in acute kidney failure, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death. Here, we report a very rare case of spontaneous TLS in a patient with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma who eventually succumbed to renal failure. Extra vigilance towards electrolyte imbalances should be given during initiation of therapy in cases of large gastric cancer with severe distant metastasis. Risk assessment prior to surgery, early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment strategies are vital in improving the prognosis of gastric cancer patients with TLS. Urgent hemodialysis should be implemented as soon as possible in order to prevent further renal deterioration.