ECOG Score

Key points

• The ECOG score is a performance status scale used to assess a patient's functional status and suitability for further oncological therapy
• Score 0: fully active, no restrictions
• Score 1: restricted in strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to do light work
• Score 2: ambulatory and self-caring but unable to work; up more than 50% of waking hours
• Score 3: limited self-care; confined to bed/chair more than 50% of waking hours
• Score 4: completely disabled; cannot self-care; totally confined to bed or chair
• A poorer functional status (higher score) generally makes a patient a poorer candidate for aggressive treatment