What does performance status measure in oncology?

Performance status in oncology is a crucial assessment that evaluates a patient's functional ability and overall quality of life. It indicates how well a patient can carry out daily activities and cope with the effects of the cancer and its treatment. This measurement helps healthcare providers gauge the severity of a patient's illness, the potential benefits and risks of treatment options, and the patient's ability to tolerate those treatments.

In clinical practice, performance status scales such as the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale or the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale are commonly used. These scales assign scores based on observable physical capabilities, activity levels, and the extent to which the patient can manage their personal care and daily tasks.

Understanding a patient's performance status is vital in making informed decisions about treatment plans, predicting prognosis, and discussing care goals with the patient and their family. It is not related to the patient's weight, financial status, or family history of cancer, as those factors do not directly measure a patient's current functional capacities or quality of life in the context of oncological care.