Karnofsky Performance Status

Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) is a standard tool used to measure the ability of a patient with cancer to perform ordinary tasks. The KPS scale runs from 100 to 0, where 100 is "perfect" health and 0 is death. It was named after Dr. David A. Karnofsky, who described the scale with his colleague, Dr. Joseph H. Burchenal in 1949.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The Karnofsky Performance Status scale is used to quantify the general well-being and activities of daily life in patients suffering from cancer. It is a simple, reliable method for assessing the functional status of these patients and is widely used in oncology clinical trials.

Scale[edit | edit source]

The KPS scale ranges from 100 (indicating a patient who is fully active and able to carry on all pre-disease activities without restriction) to 0 (indicating a patient who is dead). The scale is divided into ten increments, each representing a different level of patient functionality and requirement for care.

Use in Clinical Practice[edit | edit source]

In clinical practice, the KPS is used to assess a patient's progress over time, to determine the appropriate treatment course, and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. It is also used to predict survival in patients with cancer.

Criticisms[edit | edit source]

Despite its widespread use, the KPS has been criticized for its subjectivity and lack of sensitivity to changes in a patient's condition. Some researchers have suggested that other scales, such as the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, may provide a more accurate assessment of a patient's functional status.

References[edit | edit source]

Karnofsky Performance Status Resources
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