Link Between Uric Acid Levels and Leukemia, along with Other Types of Cancer Explored
Leukemia, a cancer of the blood-forming cells, often has a high burden of rapidly dividing cells. When chemotherapy is administered to treat leukemia, it can cause a sudden and massive cell death (lysis), triggering a potentially life-threatening condition known as Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS).
TLS results from the rapid destruction of cancer cells, releasing intracellular contents into the bloodstream. Among these released substances, the breakdown of nucleic acids leads to an increase in uric acid levels. High uric acid levels can cause renal dysfunction or acute kidney injury (AKI) because uric acid crystallizes in renal tubules, obstructing urine flow and damaging kidneys.
To prevent TLS and control uric acid levels, treatment regimens often include aggressive hydration and medications such as allopurinol or rasburicase. Allopurinol prevents the body from making uric acid, while rasburicase breaks down uric acid so the body can flush it out more easily.
People with acute leukemia or high-grade lymphoma may be at a higher risk of developing TLS. Dehydration and existing kidney problems increase this risk. People with leukemia may require intravenous (IV) fluids to help the body flush out excess uric acid.
Individuals who have a higher white blood cell count before starting leukemia treatment may have a greater risk of developing TLS. High levels of uric acid in the blood, referred to as hyperuricemia, are a marker of chronic inflammation and may increase the risk of cancer.
Risk factors for increased uric acid levels include a diet high in purines, alcohol consumption, obesity, and high blood pressure. A 2018 study suggested that high uric acid levels might increase the risk of cancer, but a 2021 study found no clear evidence to suggest a link between high uric acid levels and cancer risk, but a potential risk of malignant cells.
Preventative measures include monitoring uric acid levels and how much urine a person is producing. People may receive extra fluids 24-48 hours before cancer therapy and for the days following treatment. Doctors may give a person a diuretic if they are not producing enough urine or to maintain enough urine production.
Normal uric acid levels in the blood range from 2.4 to 6.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) in females and from 3.4 to 7.0 mg/dl in males. High levels of uric acid are those above 6.8 mg/dl, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
In conclusion, chemotherapy for leukemia can result in TLS, causing electrolyte imbalances and elevated uric acid levels, which can lead to kidney damage without preventative measures. It is crucial to maintain proper hydration and monitor uric acid levels to prevent TLS and its complications.
- Science has revealed that Leukemia, a cancer affecting blood-forming cells, is characterized by rapidly dividing cells.
- One potential life-threatening condition arising from Leukemia treatment is Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS), caused by an excessive release of intracellular substances following cancer cell death.
- Among the substances released during TLS, a rise in uric acid levels due to nucleic acid breakdown can lead to renal dysfunction or acute kidney injury (AKI), as uric acid crystallizes in renal tubules, obstructing urine flow and damaging the kidneys.
- To manage TLS and control uric acid levels, healthcare professionals often adopt treatment regimens featuring aggressive hydration and medications such as allopurinol or rasburicase, which either prevent uric acid production or breakdown uric acid more efficiently.
- Besides Leukemia, individuals with high-grade lymphoma, pre-existing kidney problems, or high white blood cell counts may also be at an increased risk of developing TLS.
- Factors contributing to high uric acid levels include a diet rich in purines, alcohol consumption, obesity, high blood pressure, certain medical-conditions, chronic diseases, and mental-health issues.
- In addition to staying hydrated for health-and-wellness purposes and adopting a balanced diet that promotes nutrition and skin-care, individuals undergoing Leukemia treatment should be cautious about cbd products, sports-betting, and engaging in excessive fitness-and-exercise activities to mitigate any potential risks associated with uric acid levels and TLS.
