Reduced-dose rasburicase (recombinant xanthine oxidase) in adult cancer patients with hyperuricemia

Abstract

Recombinant urate oxidase (rasburicase) lowers uric acid levels rapidly to very low levels at the labeled dose of 0.15-0.2 mg/kg daily for 5 days. Our past experience showed that a lower dose (3 mg) lowered uric acid levels sufficiently in most patients. A retrospective review was conducted to determine the effect of a fixed 3 mg dose of rasburicase in 43 adult patients with cancer undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or receiving chemotherapy who had elevated or rising uric acid levels (6.4-16.8 mg/dl; median 9.6). Six patients received a second dose of rasburicase (3 mg in four patients and 1.5 mg in two patients) 24 h later. Patients received allopurinol, adequate hydration, as well as other supportive therapy as required. Uric acid levels declined by 6-95% (median 43%) within the first 24 h after rasburicase administration, and levels at 48 h were 9-91% (median 65%) lower than the baseline levels. Serum creatinine changed by < or =10% in 21 patients, increased by >10% in four patients and decreased by >10% in 18 patients. No significant renal dysfunction developed in any of the patients. We conclude that rasburicase is effective in lowering uric acid levels at a fixed dose of 3 mg, which is much lower than the recommended dose.