The ECOG Performance Status is a simple measure of functional status. It has scores ranging from 0 to 5, and these correlate with scores from the Karnofsky Scale's 0-100 scores. It is commonly used as a prognostic tool, as a selection criterion for cancer research, and to help determine treatment.

80 – Normal activity with effort; some signs or symptoms of disease. 70 – Cares for self; unable to carry on normal activity or to do active work. 60 – Requires occasional assistance, but is able to care for most of their personal needs. 50 – Requires considerable assistance and frequent medical care.

The ECOG PS scale indicates increasing levels of disability, with 0 indicating fully active; 1, restricted in strenuous activity; 2, restricted in work activity but ambulatory and capable of self-care; 3, capable of limited self-care; 4, completely disabled; and 5, dead.

The ECOG Performance Status Scale is one such measurement. It describes a patient's level of functioning in terms of their ability to care for themself, daily activity, and physical ability (walking, working, etc.).

3. Capable of only limited selfcare, confined to bed or chair more than 50% of waking hours. 4. Completely disabled.

The PS describes the status of symptoms and functions with respect to ambulatory status and need for care. PS 0 means normal activity, PS 1 means some symptoms, but still near fully ambulatory, PS 2 means less than 50%, and PS 3 means more than 50% of daytime in bed, while PS 4 means completely bedridden.

Specifically, ASCO guidelines recommend against the use of chemotherapy in solid tumor patients who have not benefited from prior treatment and who have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)7 performance status score of 3 or more (ie, bad or more debilitated than “capable of only limited self-care, confined to ...