Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
This information is about a drug called rasburicase, which is given alongside chemotherapy| for leukaemia| or lymphoma|. It is used to prevent or treat a side effect of chemotherapy called tumour lysis syndrome.
Rasburicase is given before and during chemotherapy for some types of leukaemia and lymphoma. It can help reduce the risk of tumour lysis syndrome.
Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a complication that can be caused by some chemotherapy drugs. It's more common in cancers that grow quickly and respond quickly to chemotherapy, such as acute leukaemias and high-grade lymphomas. People with other types of cancer are rarely affected by tumour lysis syndrome.
To understand TLS, it helps to know how chemotherapy works. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells. As the cancer cells break down they release a chemical called uric acid, which is cleared from the body by the kidneys. When high numbers of cancer cells are destroyed at the same time and very quickly, the kidneys can't cope with the increase in uric acid. This leads to imbalances in some chemicals in the blood (phosphate, potassium and calcium), which can cause more serious problems affecting the kidneys and the heart. TLS is the term used to describe these abnormally high chemical imbalances.
Rasburicase changes uric acid so that it can be easily processed and removed from the body by the kidneys. This prevents a buildup of uric acid.
Rasburicase is given before or during the start of your chemotherapy treatment.
It is given by drip (infusion) into a vein through a fine tube called a cannula, or through a central| or PICC line|. The infusion is given over 30 minutes, once a day, for up to seven days. Your doctors will decide how many days of treatment you need by taking regular blood tests to check the level of uric acid in your blood.
You will also be given large amounts of fluids through your cannula or line (intravenous hydration) to help flush through your kidneys.
Each person’s reaction to any medication is different. Most people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described below won't affect everyone who has rasburicase and may be different if you are having more than one drug.
We have outlined the most common side effects but haven't included those that are rare and therefore unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects that aren't listed below, discuss them with your nurse or doctor.
Your doctor will monitor your temperature during treatment with chemotherapy and rasburicase. It's important to let them know if you feel like you have a high temperature.
Some people have an allergic reaction to rasburicase. Signs of this can include itching, rashes, breathlessness| and less commonly, chest pain. Tell your nurse or doctor straight away if you have any of these symptoms. If you're having a reaction, it can be treated quickly.
This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but tell your doctor if it is severe or continues. It's important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea|.
Some people have headaches with rasburicase, but this isn't common. It is important to drink plenty of fluids. Let your doctor know if you keep getting headaches, as medication can be prescribed.
Rasburicase should not be given to anyone who has the metabolic disorder known as Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
Some medicines can be harmful to take when you're having cancer treatment. Tell your doctor know about any medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs, complementary therapies| and herbal drugs|.
This section is based on our rasburicase fact sheet, which has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.