K Glossary Terms

Kadcyla, also known as ado-trastuzumab emtansine or T-DM1, is a targeted cancer medicine used mainly to treat certain HER2-positive breast cancers. It combines an antibody that attaches to cancer cells with a chemotherapy drug to help kill them. Kadcyla is often used when breast cancer has been treated before with trastuzumab and taxane chemotherapy drugs.

Kahler Disease is another name for multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that starts in plasma cells, which are white blood cells that help fight infections by making antibodies. It may also be called myelomatosis or plasma cell myeloma. If you see this term in a medical report, it’s important to ask your care team what it means for your specific situation rather than assuming it alone defines your diagnosis or treatment.

Kaletra is a combination medicine made of lopinavir and ritonavir, used to treat and prevent HIV infection. It works by blocking the virus’s ability to make copies of itself. Sometimes, it is studied for use alongside cancer treatments. Kaletra may also be called lopinavir/ritonavir, so checking the exact name in medical reports can help avoid confusion.

Kanjinti is a targeted therapy drug used to treat certain breast and stomach cancers that have high levels of the HER2 protein. It is a monoclonal antibody that helps the immune system attack cancer cells. Kanjinti is given by injection and may be known by other names like Herceptin, Hercessi, Herzuma, Ogivri, Ontruzant, Trastuzumab, and Trazimera.

Kaposi sarcoma is a type of cancer that causes purple or red lesions to grow on the skin, in lymph nodes, and other parts of the body. It is linked to infection with a virus called human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and often affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant patients. Treatment options include medications, radiation, surgery, and clinical trials.

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (also called HHV8 or human herpesvirus 8) is a virus linked to Kaposi sarcoma, a rare cancer that causes lesions on the skin and other tissues. It can also be involved in certain lymphomas, cancers of the immune system. This virus is more likely to cause problems in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS. Seeing the term in medical information means the virus is present but is not a diagnosis by itself.

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma is a rare, fast-growing blood vessel tumor that usually appears on the skin of infants and young children, often on the arms or legs. It can also form in deeper tissues like muscles, bones, or lymph nodes. While it can spread into nearby tissues, it usually does not spread to distant parts of the body. Symptoms may include firm, painful, bruise-like skin areas and easy bruising or bleeding.

Karenitecin is a drug studied for cancer treatment, especially gastrointestinal tumors. It belongs to a group of medicines related to camptothecin, which work by interfering with cancer cell DNA. It has been used in China and is part of ongoing research. Patients should discuss with their care team how Karenitecin might relate to their specific situation rather than seeing it as a direct treatment recommendation.

Karlfeldt Center Integrative Oncology is a care approach or clinic program that combines diagnostics, diet, supplements, procedures, coaching, and follow-up. It aims to support cancer patients by integrating various methods alongside conventional treatment. Patients should discuss this approach with their healthcare team to understand its role and safety in their care plan.

Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) is a scale from 0 to 100 that measures how well a person with cancer can carry out daily activities. A higher score means better ability to function. Doctors use it to understand a patient’s overall health, predict outcomes, track changes over time, and decide if someone can join a clinical trial. Patients may see KPS mentioned in reports or treatment plans.

Karyotyping is a genetic test that looks at the number, size, and shape of chromosomes in cells. It helps doctors find changes that may be linked to certain cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. Understanding karyotyping can help guide diagnosis and treatment planning. Patients should ask their care team how karyotyping results apply to their specific situation.

Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is a rare condition mostly seen in infants and young children. It happens when certain blood vessel tumors trap and destroy platelets, which are needed to help blood clot. This can lead to serious bleeding. If this term comes up, it’s important to ask your child’s care team how it relates to your child’s specific situation rather than treating it as a diagnosis or treatment plan on its own.

The Kassebaum Kennedy Act, also known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is a U.S. law passed in 1996. It helps protect your privacy by keeping your health information safe and private. It also helps workers and their families keep health insurance when changing or losing jobs. The law gives you the right to see your medical records and control who can access them.

Kava Kava is an herb from South Pacific islands, also known as Intoxicating Pepper, Rauschpfeffer, Tonga, and Yangona. Traditionally, its root has been used to help relieve stress, anxiety, tension, sleeplessness, and menopause symptoms. It can interact with alcohol and some medicines, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns it may cause serious liver damage. Always talk with your care team about its use.

The Kelley Metabolic Diet is a nutrition plan discussed in cancer care for supporting nutrition, metabolism, inflammation, digestion, immune health, and treatment tolerance. It is sometimes promoted as an alternative cancer treatment, but evidence is limited. Patients should review it carefully with their healthcare team before use. This entry helps connect the word with diagnoses, testing, treatments, supportive care, research notes, protocols, media, books, people, organizations, and safety concerns.

A keloid is a thick, raised scar that forms when the skin heals after an injury. It happens because of extra tissue growth beyond the original wound. Keloids can be firm, shiny, and vary in color from pink to dark brown. They are not harmful or contagious but may cause itching, pain, or discomfort. People with darker skin tones or a family history of keloids are more likely to develop them.

Kelp is a type of large seaweed found in cold ocean waters. It has been used in some cultures for health purposes and may have effects on the immune system. In cancer care, the word “kelp” might appear in different contexts, so it’s important to ask your care team what it means for you personally rather than assuming it refers to a diagnosis or treatment.

Kemstro is a brand name for baclofen, a medicine that helps relax muscles by blocking nerve signals in the spinal cord. It is often used to treat muscle spasms caused by conditions like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. In cancer care, baclofen is sometimes mentioned because it is being studied as a possible treatment for liver cancer, though it is not yet a standard cancer therapy.

Palifermin (brand name Kepivance) is a medicine used to help prevent and treat severe mouth sores (oral mucositis) in people with blood cancers who receive high-dose chemotherapy and radiation followed by stem cell transplant. It works by protecting and helping the lining of the mouth and digestive tract heal during intense cancer treatments.

Keppra, also known as levetiracetam, is a medication used to treat seizures. It is being studied for use in patients with cancer that has spread to the brain. Keppra is an anticonvulsant that helps control involuntary muscle movements caused by seizures. Patients and caregivers should discuss with their care team how Keppra might apply to their specific situation rather than assuming it is a diagnosis or treatment recommendation on its own.

Keratan sulfate is a natural carbohydrate found mainly in the cornea of the eye and in cartilage. It helps keep these tissues healthy and hydrated. In cancer care, it may be mentioned if eye tumors involve the cornea or nearby structures. If you see this term in your medical records, ask your care team what it means for your specific situation rather than assuming it is a diagnosis or treatment.

Keratin, also called cytokeratin, is a protein found in cells that line the inside and outside surfaces of the body, including skin, hair, and nails. In cancer care, certain cytokeratins may be higher than normal in some epithelial cell cancers. Measuring cytokeratin levels can help doctors monitor treatment or detect if cancer has returned. It’s important to ask your care team how this term applies to your specific situation.

Keratinocyte carcinoma, also called nonmelanoma skin cancer, is a group of common skin cancers that start in keratinocytes, the main cells in the outer layer of the skin. The two main types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which begins in the lower layer of the skin’s surface, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which starts in the upper layer. These cancers often appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and hands.

Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF) is a natural protein that helps protect and repair the cells lining the mouth, stomach, and intestines. A lab-made version called palifermin is used to reduce painful mouth sores during intense cancer treatments, especially in blood cancer patients receiving stem cell transplants. KGF may appear under related names like FGF7 or KGF, so it’s important to ask your care team what it means for you.

Keratoacanthoma is a fast-growing, dome-shaped skin growth that usually appears on sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, or hands. It often starts in a hair follicle and looks similar to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. While usually benign and unlikely to spread, some keratoacanthomas can behave more aggressively. They often go away on their own but may need medical evaluation to rule out cancer.

Ketalar, also known as ketamine hydrochloride, is a medicine that blocks pain signals to the brain. It is used to cause loss of feeling and awareness during surgery. Ketalar is also being studied for treating nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. Patients may see this term in medical reports or discussions, and it’s important to ask the care team how it relates to their specific situation.

Ketamine hydrochloride, also known as Ketalar, is a medicine used to cause loss of feeling and awareness during surgery. It works by blocking pain signals to the brain. Ketamine is also being studied as a possible treatment for nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. Patients may see this term in medical records or treatment discussions and should ask their care team how it applies to their care.

Ketoconazole is a medicine mainly used to treat fungal infections. Sometimes, it is used off-label as a second option for prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone-lowering treatments, but this is rare because newer drugs are usually preferred. If you see this term, it’s important to ask your care team how it relates to your specific situation rather than assuming it means a new diagnosis or treatment change.

A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that causes the body to use fat for energy instead of sugar. Sometimes discussed in cancer care, especially as a calorie-restricted version, it is not a standard cancer treatment. Patients and caregivers should talk with their healthcare team before considering this diet to understand if it is safe and appropriate for their situation.

The Ketogenic Diet for Cancer is a special eating plan sometimes discussed in cancer care. It focuses on low carbohydrates and higher fats, aiming to support nutrition, metabolism, and treatment tolerance. It is not a standalone cancer treatment but one of many nutrition strategies. Patients should always discuss its use with their care team to understand if and how it fits their individual care.

Ketones are natural chemical substances produced by the body when it uses fat for energy instead of sugar. They can also be found in products like perfumes and solvents. In cancer care, ketones may come up when discussing special diets that affect metabolism, but the term alone is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Always ask your healthcare team how ketones relate to your personal care.

Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It is commonly used for arthritis symptoms, menstrual cramps, and certain nerve pains. Some forms include creams, gels, or patches. There are theoretical concerns about skin cancer risk when ketoprofen is applied to skin exposed to strong sunlight, so it’s important to discuss its use with your healthcare team.

Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term relief of moderate to severe pain. It works by reducing inflammation and pain but should be used carefully in people with heart, kidney, liver, or bleeding problems. It is available in several forms, including pills, injections, nasal spray, and eye drops. Patients should always discuss its use with their healthcare team to understand how it fits their individual health needs.

Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) is a natural protein taken from a sea creature called the giant keyhole limpet. It is being studied to help boost the immune system’s response to cancer vaccines. KLH is not a treatment by itself but may be part of research or experimental therapies. Patients should ask their care team how KLH relates to their specific care.

Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a cancer immunotherapy drug that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is used to treat many types of cancer, including lung, skin, head and neck, bladder, and others. Keytruda works by blocking a protein called PD-1, which cancer cells use to hide from the immune system. It is given as an infusion and may be used alone or with other treatments like chemotherapy.

Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF) is a natural protein that helps protect and repair the cells lining the mouth, stomach, and intestines. A lab-made version called palifermin is used during some cancer treatments to help reduce painful mouth sores. If you see KGF or palifermin mentioned in your care, ask your healthcare team how it relates to your treatment.

The Ki-67 Proliferation Index, also called the Ki-67 Score, measures how fast cancer cells in a tumor are dividing. A higher Ki-67 means more cells are growing quickly, which can suggest the cancer may grow or spread faster. This measure is often used in cancers like breast cancer to help predict how well treatments such as chemotherapy might work. It’s important to discuss what your specific Ki-67 result means with your care team.

The Ki-67 Score, also called the Ki-67 Proliferation Index, measures how fast cancer cells in a tumor are dividing. A higher score means more cells are growing quickly, which can suggest the cancer may grow or spread faster. It is often used in cancers like breast cancer to help predict how well treatments such as chemotherapy might work. Always ask your care team what your specific Ki-67 result means for you.

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in your abdomen that filter waste and extra water from your blood to make urine. They also help balance important chemicals in your body and produce hormones that control blood pressure and red blood cell production. Kidney health is important because kidney problems, including cancer, can affect these vital functions.

Kidney cancer is a disease where cancer cells form in the tissues of one or both kidneys. The most common type in adults is renal cell carcinoma, which starts in the tiny tubes inside the kidney. Kidney cancer can also include other types like transitional cell cancer and Wilms tumor, which mainly affects children. Symptoms may include blood in the urine, a lump in the abdomen, or pain in the side. Diagnosis often involves blood, urine, and imaging tests.

Kidney failure, also called renal failure, happens when the kidneys can no longer clean waste and extra fluid from the blood. It can develop suddenly or slowly over time. Chronic kidney failure may lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant. Understanding kidney failure in your health context and talking with your care team is important for managing your care.

Kidney function, also called renal function, describes how well your kidneys work to remove waste, balance chemicals, and support other body processes. It is often checked through blood and urine tests during medical care. Changes in kidney function can result from various kidney diseases or side effects of treatments. Understanding kidney function in your health reports helps you and your care team manage your overall well-being.

A Kidney Function Test, also called a Renal Function Test, checks blood or urine for substances that show how well your kidneys are working. These tests help doctors find kidney problems early, especially during cancer care when treatments might affect kidney health. Understanding these tests can help you follow your care plan and ask questions about your kidney health.

A killer T cell, also called a cytotoxic T cell or cytotoxic T lymphocyte, is a type of white blood cell that helps the immune system by finding and killing cancer cells, virus-infected cells, and other damaged cells. These cells can sometimes be grown in the lab and given to patients to help fight cancer.

A kilogram is a unit of weight commonly used worldwide, equal to about 2.2 pounds. In cancer care, weight measurements like kilograms help calculate Body Mass Index (BMI), which can provide information about body fat and health risks. Understanding what a kilogram means in your medical reports can help you discuss your health and treatment with your care team.

Kimmtrak, also known as tebentafusp, is a medicine used to treat uveal melanoma, a type of eye cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery. It works by helping the immune system’s T cells find and attack cancer cells. Kimmtrak is approved for adults with a specific protein called HLA-A*02:01 on their cells. Patients should discuss with their care team how this treatment applies to their situation.

Kinaret, also known as Anakinra, is a medicine that reduces inflammation by blocking a protein called interleukin 1 (IL-1). Originally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, it is being studied in cancer care to see if controlling inflammation might help slow cancer growth or improve treatment responses. Kinaret is not yet a standard cancer treatment but may be mentioned during discussions about clinical trials or new therapies.

Kinases are proteins in the body that help control many cell activities by adding phosphate groups to other molecules. Some kinases are more active in cancer cells, and certain cancer treatments target these kinases to help stop cancer growth. If you hear the word “kinase” during your care, it’s important to ask your medical team how it relates to your specific diagnosis or treatment plan.

Kinase inhibitors are medicines that block enzymes called kinases, which help control cell growth and survival. Some kinase inhibitors are used to treat cancer by slowing or stopping cancer cells from growing. These drugs are a type of targeted therapy, designed to act more precisely than traditional chemotherapy. If you hear this term, ask your care team how it relates to your specific diagnosis or treatment plan.

Kinesiology, including Applied Kinesiology, involves studying body movement and muscle testing. Some alternative practitioners use it in cancer care to explore body imbalances, guide supplement choices, or support symptom relief. However, it is not a proven method to diagnose or treat cancer and should never replace standard medical care. If a record says to see Kinesiology / Applied Kinesiology, that preferred term should usually be checked as well. It may also appear under related names such as Kinesiology / Applied.

Kinesiology, including Applied Kinesiology, is a muscle-testing method used by some alternative practitioners to explore body imbalances, identify stressors, or guide supplement choices in cancer care. It is not a proven way to diagnose or treat cancer and should never replace standard medical tests or treatments. It may also appear under related names such as Kinesiology, Applied Kinesiology.

Kinesiology taping is a technique using special elastic tape applied to the skin to support muscles, joints, and lymph flow. In cancer care, it is sometimes used to help manage pain, swelling, posture, and rehabilitation needs, especially related to lymphedema. It is not a treatment for cancer itself but may be part of supportive care to improve comfort and function.

Kisqali (ribociclib succinate) is a targeted cancer drug used with hormone therapies to treat certain types of breast cancer that are hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative. It helps slow or stop cancer cell growth and is used for early breast cancer at high risk of returning, as well as advanced breast cancer that has spread or worsened during hormone therapy.

Kisqali Femara Co-Pack is a combination of two drugs, ribociclib succinate (Kisqali) and letrozole (Femara), used to treat certain types of breast cancer that are hormone receptor positive (HR+) and HER2 negative (HER2-). It is often prescribed for early-stage breast cancer at high risk of returning or as first hormone therapy for cancer that has spread. This co-pack may work better than either drug alone.

Kit Ligand, also called stem cell factor (SCF), is a natural substance in the body that helps blood stem cells grow and develop into different types of blood cells. It is a type of growth factor and cytokine important for blood cell production. Patients may see this term in medical reports or discussions, but it is not a diagnosis or treatment by itself. Always ask your care team how it relates to your personal health.

A Klatskin tumor is a rare type of bile duct cancer that forms where the right and left hepatic bile ducts meet just outside the liver. Also called perihilar bile duct cancer or perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, it is a form of extrahepatic bile duct cancer. This cancer affects the tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Understanding the exact location helps guide diagnosis and treatment.

Klebsiella is a type of bacteria commonly found in the nose, mouth, and intestines as part of normal body flora. While usually harmless, Klebsiella can sometimes cause infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer. It can lead to illnesses like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. If you see the term Klebsiella in your medical care, ask your healthcare team what it means for your specific situation.

Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH) is a natural protein taken from a sea creature called the giant keyhole limpet. It is being studied to help boost the immune system’s response to cancer vaccines. KLH is not a treatment by itself but may be part of research or experimental therapies. Patients should ask their care team how KLH relates to their specific care.

Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition in males caused by having an extra X chromosome. It can lead to symptoms like breast growth, smaller testicles, less body hair, and infertility. Men with this syndrome have a higher risk of developing breast cancer and certain tumors. While there is no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome is a rare condition present at birth that affects blood vessels, soft tissues, and bones. It often causes a port-wine stain (a red or purple birthmark), abnormal overgrowth of limbs, and varicose or unusual veins. While usually harmless, it can be part of rare syndromes involving other health issues beyond the skin. Patients and caregivers should ask their care team how this applies to their individual health.

Korean acupuncture, also called constitutional acupuncture, is a type of acupuncture that customizes treatment based on a person’s unique constitution. It looks at how your organs and body systems influence your health, appearance, and response to treatments. This approach may be used alongside cancer care to help manage symptoms and improve well-being, but it is not a replacement for standard cancer treatments.

KOS-862, also called Epothilone D, is a substance being studied as a possible cancer treatment. It works by stopping cancer cells from dividing. While it shows promise in research, especially for cancers like breast cancer, it is still experimental and not a standard treatment. If you see this term in your medical information, ask your healthcare team how it relates to your care.

Koselugo (also called selumetinib or AZD6244) is a medicine used to treat children aged 2 and older with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). It helps shrink plexiform neurofibromas—tumors on nerves that cause symptoms and cannot be removed by surgery. Koselugo works by blocking proteins that help these tumors grow and is also being studied for some cancers.

Kostmann Disease, also known as congenital neutropenia or genetic infantile agranulocytosis, is a rare inherited condition where the body produces too few neutrophils, a type of white blood cell important for fighting bacterial infections. Babies with this condition often have frequent infections and may have a higher risk of certain bone marrow problems or blood cancers like acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

Kostmann Neutropenia is a rare inherited condition where the body makes too few neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight bacterial infections. Babies with this condition often have frequent infections and may have a higher risk of certain bone marrow problems or blood cancers like acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). It is also called congenital neutropenia or Kostmann disease.

Kostmann Syndrome, also known as congenital neutropenia or genetic infantile agranulocytosis, is a rare inherited condition where the body makes too few neutrophils. Neutrophils are white blood cells that help fight bacterial infections. Babies with this condition often have frequent infections and may have a higher risk of certain bone marrow problems or blood cancers like acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

The Kousmine Diet is a nutrition plan sometimes discussed in cancer care for supporting nutrition, digestion, immune health, and treatment tolerance. It is considered an alternative approach and should be reviewed carefully with healthcare providers to understand its role and safety in each person’s cancer treatment. This entry helps connect the word with diagnoses, testing, treatments, supportive care, research notes, protocols, media, books, people, organizations, and safety concerns.

Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) is a scale from 0 to 100 that measures how well a person with cancer can perform everyday activities. A higher score means better ability to function. Doctors use KPS to understand overall health, predict outcomes, track changes, and decide if a patient can join a clinical trial. Patients may see KPS mentioned in reports or treatment plans and should ask their care team what it means for their situation.

The KRAS gene makes a protein that helps control cell growth and survival. Changes (mutations) in this gene are found in some cancers, like colorectal and lung cancer. Knowing if a tumor has a normal (wild-type) or mutated KRAS gene helps doctors choose the best treatment. It is important to discuss with your care team what KRAS results mean for your specific cancer and treatment plan.

Krazati, also called adagrasib, is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat certain advanced colorectal and non-small cell lung cancers that have a specific KRAS gene mutation called G12C. It works by blocking a protein that helps cancer cells grow. Krazati is usually given after other treatments and may be combined with another drug called cetuximab.

A kretek, also called a clove cigarette, is a type of cigarette made in Indonesia from a blend of tobacco, cloves, and other ingredients. Like regular cigarettes, kreteks contain nicotine and harmful chemicals that can cause addiction, lung cancer, and other lung diseases. Smoking kreteks carries many of the same health risks as smoking regular cigarettes.

KRN5500 is a type of anticancer drug known as an antitumor antibiotic, specifically belonging to the anthracycline family. It is used in cancer treatment to help stop the growth of cancer cells. Understanding this drug can help patients and caregivers recognize its role in therapy and discuss treatment options with their care team.

KRN7000, also known as α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), is a synthetic compound studied for cancer treatment. It helps activate special immune cells called iNKT cells, which can boost the body’s immune response against tumors. Derived from substances found in a marine sponge, KRN7000 is being researched for its potential to support the immune system in fighting cancer.

The KRT14 gene makes a protein important for the structure of skin, hair, and nails. Changes (mutations) in this gene can cause a rare inherited skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa simplex, which makes the skin fragile and prone to blistering. People with this condition may have a higher risk of skin cancer. It’s important to talk with your care team about what KRT14 means for your individual health.

The KRT5 gene makes a protein called keratin 5, important for the structure of skin, hair, and nails. Changes in this gene can cause a rare inherited skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa simplex, which makes skin fragile and prone to blistering. KRT5 is also used as a marker in some cancers, like certain breast and lung cancers, to help guide treatment decisions. Always ask your care team how KRT5 relates to your specific health situation.

A Krukenberg tumor is a cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the ovaries from another part of the body, most often from stomach or breast cancer. These tumors are not primary ovarian cancers but secondary tumors that come from cancers elsewhere. They may cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in menstrual cycles due to hormone effects. Treatment focuses on the original cancer that spread to the ovaries.

KSHV, also called HHV8 or human herpesvirus 8, is a virus linked to certain rare cancers. It can cause Kaposi sarcoma, which leads to lesions on the skin and other tissues, and some types of lymphoma, cancers of the immune system. KSHV is more likely to cause problems in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS. Seeing this term in medical reports means the virus is present but does not by itself mean cancer.

KW2189 is a semisynthetic anticancer drug classified as an antitumor antibiotic. It is a type of medicine developed to help fight cancer cells. If you come across this term, it’s important to discuss with your healthcare team how it relates to your specific care, rather than assuming it is a diagnosis or treatment recommendation by itself.

KX2-391 is a substance studied for treating cancer. It works by blocking an enzyme that helps cells grow, which may help kill cancer cells. A related medication called tirbanibulin (brand name Klisyri) is approved to treat actinic keratosis, a skin condition that can sometimes lead to skin cancer. Patients should discuss with their care team how KX2-391 or tirbanibulin might relate to their care.

Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) is a type of CAR T-cell therapy used to treat certain blood cancers, including B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and young adults, and some types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults. It uses a patient’s own immune cells, modified in a lab to better attack cancer cells. Kymriah is available only through a special safety program and is approved by the FDA for specific cases.

Kyphosis is a condition where the upper spine curves outward more than usual, creating a rounded or humpback appearance. It can be present from birth or develop due to growth issues, arthritis, osteoporosis, tumors, or after radiation therapy to the spine. If you see this term, it’s important to ask your care team how it relates to your specific health situation.

Kyprolis (carfilzomib) is a medicine used to treat adults with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. It is often given when the cancer has returned or did not improve after other treatments. Kyprolis works by blocking enzymes called proteasomes, which helps stop cancer cells from growing and may kill them. It can be used alone or with other cancer drugs.