Reuben et al used the Karnofsky score and the number of key symptoms to predict survival in patients with terminal cancer. The authors were from Providence, Rhode Island.
The Karnofksy score ranges from 0 (dead) to 100 (normal).
Key symptoms - numbers present range from 0 to 5:
(1) dry mouth
(2) dyspnea, shortness of breath
(3) problems with eating or anorexia
(4) trouble swallowing
(5) weight loss
50% Survival (50% Mortality)
Symptoms Present |
Karnofsky Score 10 – 20 |
Karnofsky Score 30 – 40 |
Karnofsky Score >= 50 |
---|---|---|---|
0 |
53 days |
115 days |
172 days |
1 |
38 – 46 days |
83 – 98 days |
125 – 191 days |
2 |
29 – 38 days |
63 – 82 days |
95 – 123 days |
3 |
23 – 30 days |
50 – 65 days |
75 – 97 days |
4 |
19 – 23 days |
41 – 49 days |
62 – 74 days |
5 |
16 days |
36 days |
54 days |
10% Survival (90% Mortality)
Symptoms Present |
Karnofsky Score 10 – 20 |
Karnofsky Score 30 – 40 |
Karnofsky Score >= 50 |
---|---|---|---|
0 |
232 days |
450 days |
450 days |
1 |
168 – 199 days |
362 – 428 days |
450 days |
2 |
128 – 165 days |
275 – 356 days |
413 – 450 days |
3 |
101 – 131 days |
218 – 283 days |
328 – 424 days |
4 |
84 – 100 days |
181 – 215 days |
272 – 322 days |
5 |
72 days |
156 days |
234 days |
Purpose: To estimate survival in a patient with terminal cancer based on Karnofsky score and the presence of key symptoms.
Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Surgery, general
Objective: severity, prognosis, stage, end-of-life, palliative care
ICD-10: Z51.5, C79.9, C00-C97,