NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

The NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms features 8,381 terms related to cancer and medicine.

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66 results found for: K

Kadcyla: listen (kad-SY-luh); A drug used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is used in patients who have already been treated with the anticancer drug called trastuzumab and a type of drug called a taxane. It may also be used in patients whose cancer has recurred (come back) after adjuvant therapy with these drugs. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Kadcyla contains a monoclonal antibody called trastuzumab that binds to a protein called HER2, which is found on some breast cancer cells. It also contains an anticancer drug called DM1, which may help kill cancer cells. Kadcyla is a type of antibody-drug conjugate. Also called ado-trastuzumab emtansine and T-DM1.
Kahler disease: listen (KAH-ler dih-ZEEZ); A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). Also called multiple myeloma, myelomatosis, and plasma cell myeloma.
Kaletra: listen (kuh-LEH-truh); A combination of the drugs ritonavir and lopinavir. It is used to treat infection with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). It is also being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Kaletra blocks the ability of HIV to make copies of itself and may help other anticancer drugs work better or may block the growth of cancer cells. Ritonavir blocks the breakdown of lopinavir. Kaletra is a type of anti-HIV agent and a type of protease inhibitor. Also called lopinavir/ritonavir.
Kaposi sarcoma: listen (kuh-POH-zee sar-KOH-muh); A type of cancer in which lesions (abnormal areas) grow in the skin, lymph nodes, lining of the mouth, nose, and throat, and other tissues of the body. The lesions are usually purple and are made of cancer cells, new blood vessels, and blood cells. They may begin in more than one place in the body at the same time. Kaposi sarcoma is caused by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In the United States, it usually occurs in people who have a weak immune system caused by AIDS or by drugs used in organ transplants. It is also seen in older men of Jewish or Mediterranean descent, or in young men in Africa.
Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus: listen (kuh-POH-zee sar-KOH-muh-uh-SOH-see-ay-ted HER-peez-VY-rus); A type of virus that causes Kaposi sarcoma (a rare cancer in which lesions grow in the skin, lymph nodes, lining of the mouth, nose, and throat, and other tissues of the body). Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus also causes certain types of lymphoma (cancer that begins in cells of the immune system). Also called HHV8, human herpesvirus 8, and KSHV.
kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: listen (kuh-POH-zee-form hee-MAN-jee-oh-EN-doh-THEE-lee-OH-muh); A rare blood vessel tumor that usually forms on the skin of the arms and legs, but may also form in deeper tissues, such as muscle and bone. Kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas may sometimes form in the lymph nodes, chest, abdomen, or bones. They are fast growing and can spread to nearby tissue, but usually do not spread to other parts of the body. Signs and symptoms may include firm, painful areas of skin that look bruised; purple or brownish-red areas on the skin; easy bruising; anemia; and abnormal bleeding. Kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas are most common in infants and young children. They are a type of vascular tumor.
karenitecin: listen (kuh-REH-nih-TEE-kan); A 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 Status: listen (kar-NOF-skee per-FOR-munts STA-tus); A standard way of measuring the ability of cancer patients to perform ordinary tasks. The Karnofsky Performance Status scores range from 0 to 100. A higher score means the patient is better able to carry out daily activities. Karnofsky Performance Status may be used to determine a patient's prognosis, to measure changes in a patient’s ability to function, or to decide if a patient could be included in a clinical trial. Also called KPS.
Kasabach-Merritt syndrome: listen (KAS-uh-bak-MAYR-it SIN-drome); A rare condition in which the blood is not able to clot and serious bleeding may occur. It occurs in some patients who have blood vessel tumors called tufted angiomas and kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas. These tumors usually form on the skin but may also form in deeper tissues, such as muscle and bone. The tumors may grow quickly and trap and destroy platelets, which are needed to form clots and stop bleeding. Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is most common in infants and young children.
Kassebaum Kennedy Act: listen (KAH-seh-bawm KEH-nuh-dee ...); A 1996 U.S. law that allows workers and their families to keep their health insurance when they change or lose their jobs. The privacy rule of the Kassebaum Kennedy Act protects the privacy of a person’s health information and keeps it from being misused. It gives people the right to receive and review their health records and to choose with whom their healthcare providers and health insurance companies share their information (including friends, family members, and caregivers). The law also includes standards for setting up and maintaining secure electronic health records. Also called Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and HIPAA.
kava kava: listen (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, anxiety, tension, sleeplessness, and problems of menopause. Kava kava may increase the effect of alcohol and of certain drugs used to treat anxiety and depression. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises users that kava kava may cause severe liver damage. The scientific name is Piper methysticum. Also called intoxicating pepper, rauschpfeffer, tonga, and yangona.
keloid: listen (KEE-loyd); A thick, irregular scar caused by excessive tissue growth at the site of an incision or wound.
kelp: listen (kelp); A type of seaweed. The stem-like parts of this plant have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have immunostimulatory and anticancer effects. The scientific name is Laminaria digitata.
Kemstro: listen (KEM-stroh); A drug that is used to treat certain types of muscle spasms and is being studied in the treatment of liver cancer. Kemstro relaxes muscles by blocking certain nerve receptors in the spinal cord. It is a type of antispasmodic. Also called baclofen and Lioresal.
Kepivance: listen (KEH-puh-vants); A drug used to prevent and treat severe oral mucositis (mouth sores). It is used in patients with certain types of blood cancer who are being treated with high-dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by a stem cell transplant. It is also being studied in the prevention and treatment of common side effects in other types of cancer. Kepivance is form of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) that is made in the laboratory. KGF stimulates the growth of cells in the lining of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Kepivance is a type of recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor. Also called palifermin.
Keppra: listen (KEH-pruh); A drug used to treat seizures (involuntary muscle movements) caused by epilepsy (a group of brain disorders). Keppra is being studied in the treatment of seizures in patients with cancer that has spread to the brain. It is a type of anticonvulsant. Also called levetiracetam.
keratan sulfate: listen (KAYR-uh-tan SUL-fayt); A glycosaminoglycan (a type of polysaccharide) found in cartilage and in the cornea of the eye.
keratin: listen (KAYR-uh-tin); A type of protein found on epithelial cells, which line the inside and outside surfaces of the body. Keratins help form the tissues of the hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin. They are also found on cells in the lining of organs, glands, and other parts of the body. Certain keratins may be found in higher than normal amounts in patients with different types of epithelial cell cancers, including lung, breast, colorectal, bladder, and head and neck cancers. Measuring the amount of specific keratins in the blood may help to plan cancer treatment or find out how well treatment is working or if cancer has come back. A keratin is a type of tumor marker. Also called cytokeratin.
keratinocyte growth factor: listen (keh-RA-tih-noh-site grothe FAK-ter); A natural substance that stimulates the growth of epithelial cells in the skin and in the lining of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. A form of keratinocyte growth factor made in the laboratory is called recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor. Also called KGF.
keratoacanthoma: listen (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 and neck. Keratoacanthoma occurs more often in males. Although in most patients it goes away on its own, in a few patients it comes back. Rarely, it may spread to other parts of the body.
Ketalar: listen (KEE-tuh-lar); A drug used to cause a loss of feeling and awareness and to induce sleep in patients having surgery. It is also being studied in the treatment of nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. Ketalar blocks pathways to the brain that are involved in sensing pain. It is a type of general anesthetic. Also called ketamine and ketamine hydrochloride.
ketamine: listen (KEE-tuh-meen); A drug used to cause a loss of feeling and awareness and to induce sleep in patients having surgery. It is also being studied in the treatment of nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. Ketamine blocks pathways to the brain that are involved in sensing pain. It is a type of general anesthetic. Also called Ketalar and ketamine hydrochloride.
ketamine hydrochloride: listen (KEE-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. It is also being studied in the treatment of nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. Ketamine hydrochloride blocks pathways to the brain that are involved in sensing pain. It is a type of general anesthetic. Also called Ketalar and ketamine.
ketoconazole: listen (KEE-toh-KAH-nuh-zole); A drug that treats infection caused by a fungus. It is also used as a treatment for prostate cancer because it can block the production of male sex hormones.
ketogenic diet: listen (KEE-toh-JEH-nik DY-et); A diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates (sugars) that causes the body to break down fat into molecules called ketones. Ketones circulate in the blood and become the main source of energy for many cells in the body. A ketogenic diet is used to treat some types of epilepsy and is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
ketone: listen (KEE-tone); A type of chemical substance used in perfumes, paints, solvents, and found in essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants). Ketones are also made by the body when there is not enough insulin.
ketoprofen: listen (KEE-toh-PROH-fen); A drug used to treat mild pain. It is also used to treat menstrual cramps, fever, and symptoms of arthritis, such as pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. Ketoprofen stops the body from making substances that cause pain and inflammation. It is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
ketorolac: listen (KEE-tor-OH-lak); A drug that belongs to a family of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. It is being studied in cancer prevention.
keyhole limpet hemocyanin: listen (KEE-hole LIM-pet HEE-moh-SY-uh-nin); A substance taken from a marine organism that may be linked to a specific antigen to boost the immune response to that antigen. Keyhole limpet hemocyanin is being studied as a way to increase the immune response to cancer vaccines. It is a type of immune modulator. Also called KLH.
Keytruda: listen (kee-TROO-duh); A drug used to treat certain types of Merkel cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer), cervical cancer, stomach cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, urothelial cancer (a type of bladder cancer), Hodgkin lymphoma, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer, cancer of the head and neck, and melanoma. It is also used to treat some types of solid tumors, including colorectal cancer, that have certain mutations in genes involved in DNA repair. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Keytruda binds to a protein called PD-1, which is found on T cells. Keytruda may block PD-1 and help the immune system kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody and a type of immune checkpoint inhibitor. Also called pembrolizumab.
KGF: A natural substance that stimulates the growth of epithelial cells in the skin and in the lining of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. A form of KGF made in the laboratory is called recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor. Also called keratinocyte growth factor.
kidney: listen (KID-nee); One of a pair of organs in the abdomen. The kidneys remove waste and extra water from the blood (as urine) and help keep chemicals (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) balanced in the body. The kidneys also make hormones that help control blood pressure and stimulate bone marrow to make red blood cells.
kidney cancer: listen (KID-nee KAN-ser); Cancer that forms in tissues of the kidneys. The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma. It forms in the lining of very small tubes in the kidney that filter the blood and remove waste products. Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis is kidney cancer that forms in the center of the kidney where urine collects. Wilms tumor is a type of kidney cancer that usually develops in children under the age of 5.
kidney failure: listen (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 balance. Acute or severe kidney failure happens suddenly (for example, after an injury) and may be treated and cured. Chronic kidney failure develops over many years, may be caused by conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, and cannot be cured. Chronic kidney failure may lead to total and long-lasting kidney failure, called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A person in ESRD needs dialysis (the process of cleaning the blood by passing it through a membrane or filter) or a kidney transplant. Also called renal failure.
kidney function: listen (KID-nee FUNK-shun); A term used to describe how well the kidneys work. The kidneys remove waste and extra water from the blood (as urine) and help keep chemicals (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) balanced in the body. They also make hormones that help control blood pressure and stimulate bone marrow to make red blood cells. Also called renal function.
kidney function test: listen (KID-nee FUNK-shun ...); A test in which blood or urine samples are checked for the amounts of certain substances released by the kidneys. A higher- or lower-than-normal amount of a substance can be a sign that the kidneys are not working the way they should. Also called renal function test.
killer T cell: listen (KIH-ler ... sel); A type of immune cell that can kill certain cells, including foreign cells, cancer cells, and cells infected with a virus. Killer T cells can be separated from other blood cells, grown in the laboratory, and then given to a patient to kill cancer cells. A killer T cell is a type of white blood cell and a type of lymphocyte. Also called cytotoxic T cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte.
kilogram: listen (KIH-loh-gram); A measure of weight. A kilogram is equal to 2.2 pounds.
Kinaret: listen (KIH-nuh-ret); A 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). It is a type of interleukin receptor antagonist. Also called anakinra.
kinase: listen (KY-nays); A type of enzyme (a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body) that adds chemicals called phosphates to other molecules, such as sugars or proteins. This may cause other molecules in the cell to become either active or inactive. Kinases are a part of many cell processes. Some cancer treatments target certain kinases that are linked to cancer.
kinase inhibitor: listen (KY-nays in-HIH-bih-ter); A substance that blocks a type of enzyme called a kinase. Human cells have many different kinases, and they help control important functions, such as cell signaling, metabolism, division, and survival. Certain kinases are more active in some types of cancer cells and blocking them may help keep the cancer cells from growing. Kinase inhibitors may also block the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Some kinase inhibitors are used to treat cancer.
Kisqali: listen (kis-KAH-lee); A drug used to treat hormone-receptor positive (HR+), HER2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer that is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body. It is used with an aromatase inhibitor (a type of hormone therapy) in women who have not been treated with hormone therapy. It is used with fulvestrant in postmenopausal women who have not been treated with hormone therapy or whose cancer got worse during treatment with hormone therapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Kisqali blocks certain proteins, which may help keep cancer cells from growing. It is a type of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. Also called ribociclib succinate.
kit ligand: listen (... LIH-gund); A substance that causes blood stem cells (cells from which other types of cells develop) to change into different types of blood cells and increases the number and actions of these cells in the blood. Kit ligand is a type of cytokine and a type of growth factor. Also called SCF and stem cell factor.
Klatskin tumor: listen (KLAT-skin TOO-mer); Cancer 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.
Klebsiella: listen (KLEB-see-EH-luh); A bacterium that frequently causes lung, urinary tract, intestinal, and wound infections.
KLH: A substance taken from a marine organism that may be linked to a specific antigen to boost the immune response to that antigen. KLH is being studied as a way to increase the immune response to cancer vaccines. It is a type of immune modulator. Also called keyhole limpet hemocyanin.
Klinefelter syndrome: listen (KLINE-fel-ter SIN-drome); A genetic disorder in males caused by having one or more extra X chromosomes. Males with this disorder may have larger than normal breasts, a lack of facial and body hair, a rounded body type, and small testicles. They may learn to speak much later than other children and may have difficulty learning to read and write. Klinefelter syndrome increases the risk of developing extragonadal germ cell tumors and breast cancer.
Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: listen (klih-PEL-tray-noh-NAY SIN-drome); A rare disorder that affects the blood vessels, soft tissues, and bones. It may also affect the lymph vessels. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is marked by a port-wine stain (a red or purplish birthmark caused by swelling of small blood vessels near the surface of the skin), abnormal overgrowth of bone and soft tissue, and varicose veins or other abnormal veins. It usually affects the legs, but it can also affect the arms or trunk. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is present at birth.
Korean acupuncture: listen (kuh-REE-un 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. According to this type of medicine, the constitution is the specific way a person’s organs affect health and how he or she looks, thinks, behaves, and responds to treatment. Also called constitutional acupuncture.
KOS-862: A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of mitotic inhibitor and epothilone. Also called epothilone D.
Kostmann disease: listen (KOST-mun dih-ZEEZ); An inherited disorder in which there is a lower-than-normal number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that is important in fighting infections). Infants with the disorder get infections caused by bacteria, and are at an increased risk of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or myelodysplasia (a bone marrow disorder). Also called congenital neutropenia, genetic infantile agranulocytosis, infantile genetic agranulocytosis, Kostmann neutropenia, and Kostmann syndrome.
Kostmann neutropenia: listen (KOST-mun noo-troh-PEE-nee-uh); An inherited disorder in which there is a lower-than-normal number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that is important in fighting infections). Infants with the disorder get infections caused by bacteria, and are at an increased risk of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or myelodysplasia (a bone marrow disorder). Also called congenital neutropenia, genetic infantile agranulocytosis, infantile genetic agranulocytosis, Kostmann disease, and Kostmann syndrome.
Kostmann syndrome: listen (KOST-mun SIN-drome); An inherited disorder in which there is a lower-than-normal number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that is important in fighting infections). Infants with the disorder get infections caused by bacteria, and are at an increased risk of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or myelodysplasia (a bone marrow disorder). Also called congenital neutropenia, genetic infantile agranulocytosis, infantile genetic agranulocytosis, Kostmann disease, and Kostmann neutropenia.
KPS: A standard way of measuring the ability of cancer patients to perform ordinary tasks. The KPS scores range from 0 to 100. A higher score means the patient is better able to carry out daily activities. KPS may be used to determine a patient's prognosis, to measure changes in a patient’s ability to function, or to decide if a patient could be included in a clinical trial. Also called Karnofsky Performance Status.
KRAS gene: listen (KAY-ras jeen); A gene that makes a protein called KRAS, which is involved in cell signaling pathways that control cell growth, cell maturation, and cell death. The natural, unchanged form of the gene is called wild-type KRAS. Mutated (changed) forms of the KRAS gene have been found in some types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. These changes may cause cancer cells to grow and spread in the body. Knowing whether a patient’s tumor has a wild-type or mutated KRAS gene may help plan cancer treatment. Also called K-RAS gene.
K-RAS gene: listen (KAY-ras jeen); A gene that makes a protein called KRAS, which is involved in cell signaling pathways that control cell growth, cell maturation, and cell death. The natural, unchanged form of the gene is called wild-type KRAS. Mutated (changed) forms of the K-RAS gene have been found in some types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. These changes may cause cancer cells to grow and spread in the body. Knowing whether a patient’s tumor has a wild-type or mutated K-RAS gene may help plan cancer treatment. Also called KRAS gene.
kretek: listen (KREE-tek); A type of cigarette that is made in Indonesia. It is made using a mixture of tobacco, cloves, and other ingredients. Kreteks contain nicotine and many cancer-causing chemicals that are harmful to both smokers and nonsmokers. Smoking kreteks can lead to nicotine addiction and can cause lung cancer and other lung conditions. Also called clove cigarette.
KRN5500: An anticancer drug that is a type of antitumor antibiotic. It is an anthracycline.
KRN7000: A drug being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a biological response modifier that is a type of glycosphingolipid or agelasphin.
Krukenberg tumor: listen (KROO-ken-berg TOO-mer); A tumor in the ovary caused by the spread of stomach cancer.
KSHV: A type of virus that causes Kaposi sarcoma (a rare cancer in which lesions grow in the skin, lymph nodes, lining of the mouth, nose, and throat, and other tissues of the body). KSHV also causes certain types of lymphoma (cancer that begins in cells of the immune system). Also called HHV8, human herpesvirus 8, and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.
KW2189: A semisynthetic anticancer drug that is a type of antitumor antibiotic.
KX2-391: A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. KX2-391 blocks an enzyme needed for growth of cells and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of Src kinase inhibitor.
Kymriah: listen (kim-RY-uh); A drug used to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that relapsed (came back) or did not get better after treatment with at least two other types of anticancer therapy. Kymriah is also used to treat B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in patients aged 25 years and younger. It is used in patients whose cancer has not gotten better with other treatment or has relapsed two or more times. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Kymriah is made using a patient’s T cells (a type of immune system cell). A gene for a special receptor called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is added to the T cells in the laboratory. These changed T cells called CAR T cells are grown in large numbers in the laboratory and given to the patient by infusion. Kymriah binds to a protein called CD19, which is found on some leukemia and lymphoma cells. This helps the body’s immune system kill cancer cells. Kymriah is a type of CAR T-cell therapy. Also called tisagenlecleucel.
kyphosis: listen (ky-FOH-sis); A condition marked by a humpback-like rounding or outward curve of the upper backbone. It may be present at birth or it may be caused by growth problems, arthritis, osteoporosis, tumors, or certain other disorders. It may also occur at some point in time after radiation therapy to the backbone.
Kyprolis: listen (ky-PROH-lis); A drug used alone or with other drugs to treat multiple myeloma that has gotten worse or came back after treatment with other anticancer therapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Kyprolis blocks the action of enzymes called proteasomes, which may help keep cancer cells from growing and may kill them. It is a type of proteasome inhibitor. Also called carfilzomib.