Radiation Oncology/Performance scales

Karnofsky Performance Scale

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

1948: No PMID Full text — "The use of the nitrogen mustards in the palliative treatment of carcinoma." (Karnofsky DA, Cancer 1948;1(4):634-656)
- An early publication of the Karnofksy scale. Used to assess improvement in performance status following treatment.

0 (Karnofsky 90-100) - Fully active; able to carry on all predisease activities without restriction
1 (Karnofsky 70-80) - Restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to carry out work of a light or sedentary nature. For example, light housework, office work.
2 (Karnofsky 50-60) - Ambulatory and capable of all self-care but unable to carry out any work activities. Up and about more than 50% of waking hours.
3 (Karnofsky 30-40) - Capable of only limited self-care; confined to bed or chair 50% or more of waking hours.
4 (Karnofsky 10-20) - Completely disabled. Cannot carry on self-care. Totally confined to bed.
5 - Dead

100 - Fully active, normal
90 - Minor restrictions in physically strenuous activity
80 - Active, but tires more quickly
70 - Both greater restriction of and less time spent in play activity
60 - Up and around, but minimal active play; keeps busy with quieter activities
50 - Gets dressed, but lies around much of the day; no active play, able to participate in all quiet play and activities.
40 - Mostly in bed; participates in quiet activities
30 - In bed; needs assistance even for quiet play
20 - Often sleeping; play entirely limited to very passive activities
10 - No play; does not get out of bed