KPS
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Karnofsky Performance Status |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
KPS stands for Karnofsky Performance Status, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Scale from 100 (normal, no complaints) to 0 (dead), in steps of 10, describing a patient's ability to carry out normal activities, work and self-care. Scores of 70 or above indicate the patient can care for themselves.
Example: KPS 60: requires occasional assistance but able to care for most needs.
Usage notes
Introduced by David Karnofsky and colleagues in 1948, it is one of the oldest performance scales in oncology. It is widely used in neuro-oncology, radiation oncology and palliative care, where more granular scoring helps. KPS and ECOG scores can be roughly converted, with KPS 80 to 100 corresponding to ECOG 0 to 1.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
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- IDC – Invasive ductal carcinoma
- IMRT – Intensity-modulated radiation therapy
- irAE – Immune-related adverse event
- ITP – Immune thrombocytopenia
- JAK2 – Janus kinase 2
- KRAS – Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog
- LA – Lupus anticoagulant
- MAHA – Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
- MCL – Mantle cell lymphoma
- mCRPC – Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
- MDS – Myelodysplastic syndrome
See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.