Cancer Dictionary

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Kaposi's sarcoma (KAP-o-seez sar-KO-ma): A type of cancer characterized by the abnormal growth of blood vessels that develop into skin lesions or occur internally.

Karnofsky Performance Status: KPS. A standard way of measuring the ability of cancer patients to perform ordinary tasks. The scores range from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a better ability to carry out daily activities. KPS may be used to determine a patient's prognosis, to measure changes in functioning, or to decide if a patient could be included in a clinical trial.

keloid (KEY-loyd): A thick, irregular scar caused by excessive tissue growth at the site of an incision or wound.

keratinocyte growth factor: A substance that stimulates the growth of epithelial cells that line the surface of the mouth and intestinal tract.

ketoconazole: 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 the male sex hormone.

ketorolac: A drug that belongs to a family of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. It is being studied in cancer prevention.

keyhole limpet hemocyanin: KLH. One of a group of drugs called immune modulators, given as a vaccine to help the body respond to cancer.

kidneys (KID-neez): A pair of organs in the abdomen that remove waste from the blood (as urine), produce erythropoietin and are responsible for the long-term regulation of blood pressure.

killer cells: White blood cells that attack tumor cells and body cells that have been invaded by foreign substances.

KRN5500: An anticancer drug that belongs to a family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics. It is an anthracycline.

KRN7000: A drug being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a biological response modifier that belongs to the family of drugs called glycosphingolipids or agelasphins.

Krukenberg tumor (KROO-ken-berg TOO-mer): A tumor in the ovary caused by the spread of stomach cancer.

KW2189: A semisynthetic anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics.

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This cancer dictionary is provided by the National Cancer Institute.