The Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale is a tool that helps doctors measure a person’s physical abilities, independence level, and how well a person can manage daily activities when dealing with a chronic illness, particularly cancer. The KPS assigns a score from 0 to 100, where 100 indicates a person can function normally without help, and 0 indicates that the person has passed away. Intermediate scores reflect different levels of ability; for example, a score of 70 means a person can care for themselves independently, while a score of 50 indicates that they need help with most daily activities. This scoring helps healthcare providers understand a patient’s functional health and plan appropriate care (National Cancer Institute, 2024).

The KPS Scale’s Role for Brain Tumor Patients

For patients with brain tumors, the KPS scale helps doctors understand how neurological symptoms impact daily living. Brain tumors can affect physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities, and a low KPS score may suggest the need for supportive care focused on daily tasks. In contrast, higher scores can open up more treatment options, potentially including therapies that require higher levels of functional ability. Using the KPS scale provides a snapshot of how the tumor or treatment affects a person’s functional abilities (Frontiers, 2023; ICH GCP, 2023).

KPS in Clinical Trials

The KPS scale is also widely used in clinical trials, where researchers test new treatments. Many trials require a minimum KPS score (such as 60 or 70) to ensure participants are physically able to withstand experimental treatments. By using the KPS scale in trials, researchers can better tailor their studies to the health needs of participants (Cureus, 2024).

Why Knowing Your KPS Score Matters

For brain tumor patients, knowing their KPS score can be empowering, providing a clear picture of their current functional status and identifying areas where support may be helpful. Patients can use their KPS score to set realistic goals with their healthcare team, focusing on rehabilitation or improving daily living skills. Knowing your KPS score also helps patients and their medical team understand what clinical trials they may be eligible for. Tracking KPS over time also shows any progress or changes, which helps to make long-term plans and decisions about independence and quality of life (National Cancer Institute, 2024; Frontiers, 2023).

The KPS scale is more than just a number; it helps patients and healthcare providers understand the person’s current abilities and make decisions to support health and well-being. If you’re curious about your functional health status, ask your doctor about your Karnofsly Performance Status (KPS) score. 

References

Frontiers. (2023). Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≤60 is strongly associated with shorter brain-specific progression-free survival among patients with metastatic breast cancer with brain metastases. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2023.XXXXX/full

ICH GCP. (2023). Karnofsky Performance Status Score in Cancer – Clinical Trials Registry. Retrieved from https://ichgcp.net

National Cancer Institute. (2024). Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries