ECOG / WHO Performance Status
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) / WHO performance status scale describes a patient's level of functioning in terms of ability to care for themselves and daily activity. Guides treatment decisions in oncology.
Score interpretation
Fully or near-fully active. Eligible for most standard chemotherapy/immunotherapy regimens.
→ Standard oncological treatment appropriate. Most clinical trial eligibility requires ECOG 0–1. Aim to maintain or improve performance status.
Ambulatory but unable to work. Some protocols exclude ECOG 2. Dose reductions may be needed.
→ Treatment decisions require careful assessment. Some regimens tolerable; dose adjustments often needed. Assess trajectory — is performance status reversible with treatment? MDT discussion.
Limited self-care. Most intensive chemotherapy poorly tolerated. Palliative intent likely.
→ Intensive chemotherapy usually contraindicated. Consider: low-intensity regimens, oral agents, supportive/palliative care. Palliative care involvement. Goals-of-care discussion.
Completely disabled. Active treatment rarely beneficial. Palliative care focus.
→ Symptomatic/palliative management only in most cases. Ensure comfort, dignity, symptom control. Advance care planning. Family support.
Patient deceased.
→ Bereavement support and documentation.
Interpretation bands for the ECOG Performance Status. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Oken MM, et al. Toxicity and response criteria of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. Am J Clin Oncol. 1982;5(6):649–655.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Folinic Acid (Calcium Folinate / Leucovorin) · Antidote / Chemotherapy Support
- Phenytoin / Fosphenytoin · Antiepileptic — Status Epilepticus (Second-Line)
- Levetiracetam (IV) · Antiepileptic — Status Epilepticus (Second-Line)
- Zoledronic Acid · Bisphosphonate (IV)
- Denosumab · RANK Ligand Inhibitor (Anti-resorptive)
- Cisplatin · Platinum Chemotherapy — Head and Neck Cancer
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Anaemia Investigation · BSH / NICE
- Splenomegaly Workup · BSH; BMJ Best Practice
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis and Treatment · NICE CG144 / NICE NG158
- Sickle Cell Crisis · BSH 2021 / BCSH
- Neutropenic Sepsis · NICE CG151 2012 / ESMO
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.