Rasburicase for tumour lysis syndrome, alert on harm from delayed administration
National Patient Safety Alert: NHS England has published a National Patient Safety Alert on harm from delayed administration of rasburicase for tumour lysis syndrome.
Published: 9 September 2025
The Alert requires action to prevent delays in the administration of Rasburicase for tumour lysis syndrome (TLS).
TLS is a life-threatening emergency that can develop when cancer cells break down rapidly, releasing harmful substances into the bloodstream. It requires urgent treatment with rasburicase in high-risk cases.
The Alert requires NHS organisations providing emergency departments and cancer services to complete specific actions within six months, including updating risk assessment protocols, ensuring medication availability, and addressing operational barriers to timely treatment.
The National Patient Safety Alert has further information and actions to be completed by 9 March 2026.