functional status; performance status
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Introduction
The ability of a organism, organ system, organ or other body part to perform physiologic function(s) or actions.
The functional status of an individual is an important indicator of prognosis, regardless of the diagnosis.
Also see functional assessment.
Notes
- performance status is the best predictor of prognosis in patients with advanced cancer[2]
- most cancer clinical trials are based on treatment of patients with good performance status[1]
- poor performance status in cancer patients may be due to
- comorbidities
- debilitation by cancer*
* in the latter case, aggressive treatment may benefit patient[1]