K

K-ras gene

A gene that may cause cancer when it is mutated (changed). The K-ras gene makes the KRAS protein, which is involved in cell signaling pathways, cell growth, and … [Read more...]

Kadian

(Other name for: morphine sulfate) … [Read more...]

Kahler disease

A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). Also called multiple myeloma, myelomatosis, and plasma cell myeloma. … [Read more...]

Kaletra

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 … [Read more...]

Kaposi sarcoma

A type of cancer characterized by the abnormal growth of blood vessels that develop into skin lesions or occur internally. … [Read more...]

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

A 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 system), … [Read more...]

karenitecin

A synthetic silicon-containing agent related to camptothecin with antineoplastic properties. Karenitecin stabilizes the cleavable complex between topoisomerase … [Read more...]

Karnofsky Performance Status

A standard way of measuring the ability of cancer patients to perform ordinary tasks. The Karnofsky Performance scores range from 0 to 100. A higher score means … [Read more...]

Kassebaum Kennedy Act

A 1996 U.S. law that allows workers and their families to keep their health insurance when they change or lose their jobs. The law also includes standards for … [Read more...]

kava kava

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, … [Read more...]