Pathology Associates Of Lexington, P.A.

Decisions by Expected Lifespan and Functional Capacity

The decision to even screen for cancer...and whether to treat and by what methods...depends on (1) desires of the patient or his/her legal personal representative (if incapacitated) (2) the treating doctor's estimate of likely lifespan were there no cancer, and (3) the patient's physical condition as indicated by a performance status assessment. This table is the ECOG criteria ( K. P. S. indicates the corresponding scoring range within the Karnofsky Performance Status classification). Another method is the Kaplan-Feinstein Index.

Classification In Accordance with Functional Capacity (ECOG)
0	Patient completely active. Capable of performing all of his normal activities, without restrictions, before becoming ill. (K.P.S. 90-100)
1	Restricted in tiring, physical activities, but ambulatory and capable of doing light or sedentary work. (K.P.S. 70-80)
2	Ambulatory and self sufficient, but incapable of doing any work. Ambulatory during more than 50% waking hours. (K.P.S. 50-60)
3	Partially self sufficient, confined to wheel chair or bed more than 50% of waking hours. (K.P.S. 30-40)
4	Incapacitated and confined completely to bed or chair. (K.P.S. 10.20)

(posted 2 September 2003)