Kahler diseaseA type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies).
Kaposi sarcoma(kuh-POH-zee sar-KOH-muh) A type of cancer characterized by the abnormal growth of blood vessels that develop into skin lesions or occur internally.
Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus(kuh-POH-zee sar-KOH-muh-uh-SOH-see-ay-ted HER-peez-VY-rus) A type of herpesvirus that may cause Kaposi sarcoma (a rare cancer that can cause skin…
karenitecinA drug being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of topoisomerase inhibitor. It is related to the anticancer drug camptothecin.
Karnofsky Performance StatusA standard way of measuring the ability of cancer patients to perform ordinary tasks. The Karnofsky Performance scores range from 0 to 100.
kava kava(KAH-vuh KAH-vuh) An herb native to islands in the South Pacific. Substances taken from the root have been used in some cultures to relieve stress…
keloid(KEY-loyd) A thick, irregular scar caused by excessive tissue growth at the site of an incision or wound.
kelpA type of seaweed. The stem-like parts of this plant have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems.
Kemstro(KEM-stroh) A drug that is used to treat certain types of muscle spasms and is being studied in the treatment of liver cancer.
Kepivance(KEH-puh-vants) A form of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) that is made in the laboratory.
Keppra(KEH-pruh) A drug used to treat seizures (involuntary muscle movements) caused by epilepsy (a group of brain disorders).
keratan sulfateA glycosaminoglycan (a type of polysaccharide) found in cartilage and in the cornea of the eye.
keratinocyte growth factor(keh-RA-tih-noh-site grohth FAK-ter) A natural substance that stimulates the growth of epithelial cells in the skin and in the lining of the mouth…
keratoacanthoma(KAYR-uh-toh-AK-un-THOH-muh) A rapidly growing, dome-shaped skin tumor that usually occurs on sun-exposed areas of the body, especially around the head…
Ketalar(KEH-tuh-lar) A drug used to cause a loss of feeling and awareness and to induce sleep in patients having surgery.
ketamine(KEH-tuh-meen) A drug used to cause a loss of feeling and awareness and to induce sleep in patients having surgery.
ketamine hydrochloride(KEH-tuh-meen HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A drug used to cause a loss of feeling and awareness and to induce sleep in patients having surgery.
ketoconazole(kee-ta-KOE-na-zol) A drug that treats infection caused by a fungus. It is also used as a treatment for prostate cancer because it can block the…
ketone(KEE-tone) A type of chemical substance used in perfumes, paints, solvents, and found in essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants).
ketorolacA drug that belongs to a family of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. It is being studied in cancer prevention.
keyhole limpet hemocyaninOne of a group of drugs called immune modulators, given as a vaccine to help the body respond to cancer. Also called KLH.
KGFA natural substance that stimulates the growth of epithelial cells in the skin and in the lining of the mouth, stomach, and intestines.
kidney(KID-nee) One of a pair of organs in the abdomen. Kidneys remove waste from the blood (as urine), produce erythropoietin (a substance that stimulates red…
kidney cancer(KID-nee KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the kidneys. Kidney cancer includes renal cell carcinoma (cancer that forms in the lining of very small…
kidney failure(KID-nee FAYL-yer) A condition in which the kidneys stop working and are not able to remove waste and extra water from the blood or keep body chemicals in…
kidney function test(KID-nee FUNK-shun ...) A test in which blood or urine samples are checked for the amounts of certain substances released by the kidneys.
killer cellA white blood cell that attacks tumor cells and body cells that have been invaded by foreign substances.
kilogramA measure of weight. A kilogram is equal to 2.2 pounds.
KinaretA substance that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, and is being studied in the treatment of cancer. Kinaret blocks the action of interleukin 1 (IL-1).
Klatskin tumorCancer that develops in cells that line the bile ducts in the liver, where the right and left ducts meet. It is a type of cholangiocarcinoma.
KlebsiellaA bacterium that frequently causes lung, urinary tract, intestinal, and wound infections.
KLHOne of a group of drugs called immune modulators, given as a vaccine to help the body respond to cancer. Also called keyhole limpet hemocyanin.
Klinefelter syndrome(KLINE-fel-ter SIN-drome) A genetic disorder in males caused by having one or more extra X chromosomes.
Klinefelter's syndrome(Kline'-fell-terz sin'-drom) a congential (present at birth) condition that affects 1 out of every 850 men.
Korean acupuncture(...AK-yoo-PUNK-cher) A type of acupuncture based on a form of Oriental medicine in which treatment is based on a person's constitution.
KOS-862A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of mitotic inhibitor and epothilone. Also called epothilone D.
KPSA standard way of measuring the ability of cancer patients to perform ordinary tasks. The Karnofsky Performance scores range from 0 to 100.
kretekA cigarette made of a mixture of tobacco and clove.
KRN5500An anticancer drug that is a type of antitumor antibiotic. It is an anthracycline.
KRN7000A drug being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a biological response modifier that is a type of glycosphingolipid or agelasphin.
Krukenberg tumor(KROO-ken-berg TOO-mer) A tumor in the ovary caused by the spread of stomach cancer.
KSHVA type of herpesvirus that may cause Kaposi sarcoma (a rare cancer that can cause skin lesions) and a type of lymphoma (cancer that begins in the lymph…
KW2189A semisynthetic anticancer drug that is a type of antitumor antibiotic.
KX2-391A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. KX2-391 blocks an enzyme needed for growth of cells and may kill cancer cells.
Kytril(KY-tril) A drug used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment. It is a type of serotonin receptor antagonist and a type of antiemetic.