Ecog performance status

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

ECOG Scale; ECOG/WHO Score; Performance Status

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

David A. Karnofsky first described a so-called performance status in 1948, which is known as the Karnofsky Index . In this score, each patient is assigned a point value between 0 (dead) and 100 (normal activity) on a linear scale. The measured values are used to roughly scale abilities, activities of daily life and possible dependencies. In 1960 the Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group (ECOG) introduced a further simplified ECOG Performance Status with only 6 points (ECOG/WHO Score).

ClassificationThis section has been translated automatically.

0 Normal unrestricted activity as before the disease.

1 Limited physical exertion, but able to walk; light physical work or work in a sitting position (e.g. light housework or office work) possible.

2 Capable of walking, self-care possible but unable to work; can get up more than 50% of the waking hours.

3 Only limited self-care possible; bound to bed or chair for 50% or more of the waking time.

4 Completely in need of care, no self-care possible; completely tied to bed or chair.

5 Death

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Karnofsky DA et al (1948) The use of the nitrogen mustards in the palliative treatment of carcinoma. With particular reference to bronchogenic carcinoma. Cancer 1:634-656.
  2. Karnofsky DA et al. (1949) The Clinical Evaluation of Chemotherapeutic Agents in Cancer. In:MacLeod CM (Ed), Evaluation of Chemotherapeutic Agents. Columbia Univ Press S 196.
  3. Oken MM et al (1982) Toxicity and response criteria of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. At J Clin Oncol 5:649-655.

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020