Evaluation of tumor lysis sydrome in solid neoplasms and proposal of ethical framework

Authors

Keywords:

Consentimiento informado; Ética Médica; Oncología

Abstract

Introduction: Tumor lysis syndrome is a rare oncologic emergency in solid tumors, but its mortality rate can reach 35%. Despite its severity, its low incidence has relegated the ethical dimensions of its management to a secondary plane.

Objective: To describe the ethical implications of tumor lysis syndrome in solid tumors and to propose an integrative framework that combines technical excellence with ethical commitment.

Method: A literature review was conducted from November 2025 to February 2026 using information extracted from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, totaling 43 references. Systematic reviews were included, as well as case reports and letters to the editor that highlighted the ethical dilemmas and gaps in its management.

Development: Tumor lysis syndrome constitutes a moral emergency that exposes systemic fragilities and underscores ethical dilemmas in its perception, informed consent, prophylaxis, futility in the intensive care unit, and access to costly treatments. An ethical framework is proposed, which includes recognizing this event, proactive risk stratification, expanded consent, limitation of therapeutic effort, equity in access, specific research, and ethical-clinical training to guide a more just and humanized oncology practice.

Conclusions: This syndrome in solid tumors reveals a collective ethical blindness that generates inequities. It is imperative to move beyond mere technological intervention and incorporate genuine communicative deliberation to avoid therapeutic obstinacy and ensure patient-centered care.

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Published

2026-04-13

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1.
Correa-Rodríguez JG, Castell-Martínez LM, Mesa-Quesada M de J, Licea-Rodríguez MA. Evaluation of tumor lysis sydrome in solid neoplasms and proposal of ethical framework. Gac méd estud [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 13 [cited 2026 Apr. 14];7:e705. Available from: https://revgacetaestudiantil.sld.cu/index.php/gme/article/view/705

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Vol. 7 (2026): Publicación Continua

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Bibliographic reviews

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Copyright (c) 2026 José Grabiel Correa-Rodríguez , Leonardo Manuel Castell-Martínez , Manuel de Jesús Mesa-Quesada, María Amanda Licea-Rodríguez

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