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.
L-3,5,5'-tetraiodothyronine(...TEH-truh-i-oh-doh-THY-roh-neen) A hormone that is made by the thyroid gland and contains iodine.
L-377,202A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
L-778,123An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called enzyme inhibitors. It may inhibit the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells.
L-arginine(⦠AR-jih-neen) One of the twenty common amino acids (building blocks of proteins).
L-asparaginase(... as-PA-ruh-jih-nayz) A drug that is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is being studied in the treatment of some other types of…
L-carnitineA form of carnitine, which is a substance made in the muscles and liver. It can be given as a supplement to prevent and treat carnitine deficiency in…
L-glutamic acid(... gloo-TA-mik A-sid) One of twenty amino acids (molecules that join together to form proteins).
L-norgestrel(... nor-JES-trel) A form of the hormone progesterone that is made in the laboratory and used to prevent pregnancy.
L-threo-dihydrosphingosine(...THREE-oh-dy-HY-drose-FIN-guh-seen) A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
lab-on-a-chipAn instrument that uses very small amounts of fluid on a microchip to do certain laboratory tests.
labial mucosa(LAY-bee-ul myoo-KOH-suh) The inner lining of the lips.
laboratory studyResearch done in a laboratory. These studies may use test tubes or animals to find out if a drug, procedure, or treatment is likely to be useful.
laboratory testA medical procedure that involves testing a sample of blood, urine, or other substance from the body.
lacrimal glandA gland that secretes tears. The lacrimal glands are found in the upper, outer part of each eye socket.
lactase(LAK-tayz) An enzyme that breaks down lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and milk products.
lactate dehydrogenase(LAK-tayt dee-hy-DRAH-jeh-nayz) One of a group of enzymes found in the blood and other body tissues and involved in energy production in cells.
lactic acid(LAK-tik A-sid) A substance made from sugars in milk, by the action of certain enzymes.
lactic acid dehydrogenase(LAK-tik A-sid dee-hy-DRAH-jeh-nayz) One of a group of enzymes found in the blood and other body tissues, and involved in energy production in cells.
Lactiferous ducts(lack tih' fer us)the part of the breast that carries the milk to the nipple.
Lactiferous sinuses(lack-tih'-fer-us si'-nus-sehz)the part of the breast that collects the milk and holds it until it is released through the nipple.
lactoferrin(LAK-toh-fayr-in) A protein that is found in milk, tears, mucus, bile, and some white blood cells and is being studied in the treatment and prevention of…
lactoseA type of sugar found in milk and milk products.
lactose intoleranceThe inability to digest or absorb lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
laetrile(LAY-eh-tril) A substance found in the pits of many fruits such as apricots and papayas, and in other foods.
LAK cellA white blood cell that is stimulated in a laboratory to kill tumor cells. Also called lymphokine-activated killer cell.
lamina propriaA type of connective tissue found under the thin layer of tissues covering a mucous membrane.
lamivudineA drug used to treat infection caused by viruses.
lamotrigineA drug that is used to help control some types of seizures. It is being studied in the prevention of peripheral neuropathy caused by some chemotherapy…
Langerhans cell histiocytosis(LANG-er-HANZ sel HIS-tee-oh-sy-TOH-sis) A group of rare disorders in which too many Langerhans cells (a type of white blood cell) grow in certain tissues…
lanolin(LA-noh-lin) An oily substance taken from sheep's wool. Lanolin is used in moisturizing creams and lotions to treat dry, itchy skin.
Lanoxin(luh-NOK-sin) A drug used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure. It is also being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
laparoscope(LA-puh-ruh-SKOPE) A thin, tube-like instrument used to look at tissues and organs inside the abdomen.
laparoscopic prostatectomy(LA-puh-ruh-SKAH-pik PROS-tuh-TEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove all or part of the prostate with the aid of a laparoscope.
laparoscopic-assisted colectomy(LA-puh-ruh-SKAH-pik... koh-LEK-toh-mee) Surgery done with the aid of a laparoscope to remove all or part of the colon through several small incisions…
laparoscopy(LA-puh-ROS-koh-pee) A procedure that uses a laparoscope, inserted through the abdominal wall, to examine the inside of the abdomen.
laparotomy(LA-puh-RAH-toh-mee) A surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen.
lapatinib(luh-PA-tih-nib) A drug used with another anticancer drug to treat breast cancer that is HER2 positive and has advanced or metastasized (spread to other…
lapatinib ditosylate(luh-PA-tih-nib dy-TOH-sih-layt) A drug used with another anticancer drug to treat breast cancer that is HER2 positive and has advanced or metastasized…
lappaA plant whose seeds and root have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects.
large cell cancerA type of non-small cell lung cancer where the cancer cells are large and abnormal.
large cell carcinoma(...KAR-sih-NOH-muh) Lung cancer in which the cells are large and look abnormal when viewed under a microscope.
large granular lymphocyteA type of white blood cell that contains granules with enzymes that can kill tumor cells or microbial cells. Also called natural killer cell and NK cell.
large intestineThe long, tube-like organ that is connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other.
laryngeal(luh-RIN-jee-ul) Having to do with the larynx.
laryngeal cancer(luh-RIN-jee-ul KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the larynx (area of the throat that contains the vocal cords and is used for breathing…
laryngectomee(lair-in-JEK-toe-mee) A person whose larynx (voice box) has been removed.
laryngectomy(LA-rin-JEK-toh-mee) An operation to remove all or part of the larynx (voice box).
laryngoscope(luh-RING-goh-SKOPE) A thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the larynx (voice box).
laryngoscopy(LAIR-in-GOSS-kuh-pee) Examination of the larynx (voice box) with a mirror (indirect laryngoscopy) or with a laryngoscope (direct laryngoscopy).
larynx(LAYR-inks) The area of the throat containing the vocal cords and used for breathing, swallowing, and talking. Also called voice box.
laser(LAY-zer) A device that concentrates light into an intense, narrow beam used to cut or destroy tissue.
laser acupuncture(LAY-zer AK-yoo-PUNK-cher) The use of a low-level laser beam instead of an acupuncture needle to stimulate an acupuncture point.
laser surgeryA surgical procedure that uses the cutting power of a laser beam to make bloodless cuts in tissue or to remove a surface lesion such as a tumor.
laser therapy(LAY-zer THAYR-uh-pee) The use of an intensely powerful beam of light to kill cancer cells.
lassitude(LA-sih-tood) A feeling of tiredness, weakness, and lack of interest in daily activities.
late effectsSide effects of cancer treatment that appear months or years after treatment has ended.
late-stage cancerA term used to describe cancer that is far along in its growth, and has spread to the lymph nodes or other places in the body.