Karnofsky Performance Scale

Functional Granularity: KPS describes performance as a percentage of "Normal." Thresholds at 70% (Independence) and 50% (Assisted living) are clinically significant.

Guidelines & Evidence

Verified

Last Review: 2026-07-17

When to Use

Evaluating the functional status of patients with cancer, particularly in bone marrow transplant (BMT) and palliative care settings.

Defining prognosis; lower KPS is associated with decreased survival and higher treatment toxicity.

Assessing eligibility for high-intensity chemotherapy or clinical trials.

Precision

Karnofsky provides more granular assessment (0-100%) compared to the 0-5 ECOG scale, making it preferred in complex inpatient settings like Stem Cell Transplant units.

How it Works

Threshold Definitions

Score	Level	Description
100	Normal	No complaints; no evidence of disease.
90	Normal	Able to carry on normal activity; minor signs or symptoms.
80	Normal	Normal activity with effort; some signs or symptoms.
70	Independent	Cares for self; unable to carry on normal activity or do active work.
60	Assisted	Requires occasional assistance but able to care for most needs.
50	Assisted	Requires considerable assistance and frequent medical care.
40	Disabled	Disabled; requires special care and assistance.
30	Severely Disabled	Severely disabled; hospital admission indicated although death not imminent.
20	Moribund	Very sick; hospital admission necessary; active supportive treatment.
10	Moribund	Moribund; fatal processes progressing rapidly.
0	Dead	Dead.

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026-07-17

In Recent Clinical News

Scanning Medical Journals

No new significant updates or guidelines matching this topic were found today. We will check again soon.

Karnofsky Performance Scale

When to Use

When to Use

Precision

How it Works

Threshold Definitions

Clinical Pearls

BMT Gatekeeping

KPS vs. ECOG Mapper

The Evidence

Primary Strategy

The Clinical Evaluation of Chemotherapeutic Agents in Cancer. In: MacLeod CM, Ed. Evaluation of Chemotherapeutic Agents.

Origins & History

Historical Context

In Recent Clinical News

Karnofsky Performance Scale

When to Use

When to Use

Precision

How it Works

Threshold Definitions

Clinical Pearls

BMT Gatekeeping

KPS vs. ECOG Mapper

The Evidence

Primary Strategy

The Clinical Evaluation of Chemotherapeutic Agents in Cancer. In: MacLeod CM, Ed. Evaluation of Chemotherapeutic Agents.

Origins & History

Historical Context

In Recent Clinical News