Definitions for "Performance Status"
A classification used for describing the status of cancer patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines performance status in terms of the following grade levels: 0 – able to carry out all normal activity without restriction; 1 – restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to do light work; 2 – ambulatory and capable of self-care but unable to carry out any work; 3 – capable of only limited self-care confined to bed or chair 50% or more of waking hours; and 4 – completely disabled and cannot carry on any self-care.
The physical status of a patient (Karnofsky scale, ECOG scale), which represents the level of activity.
The performance status semi-quantifies the ability of a patient to perform daily activities. This semi-quantification is very helpful in clinical trials in assessing the state of health of patients under treatment. If one group has a significant difference in their performance status, the interpretation of treatment results will be influenced. The performance status also plays a role in determining whether a patient can tolerate intensive therapy. The following short version of the definition of activities level describes the performance status in terms of a scale decreasing from normal activities and capabilities. Other versions use percent of normal as an indicator. Status Definition Normal Activity Symptoms but ambulatory In bed 50 percent of time In bed greater than 50 percent of time 100 percent bedridden
A way of describing the overall function of a person, a key indicator or response to chemotherapy.