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NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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Karnofsky Performance Status  listen  (kar-NOF-skee per-FOR-munts STA-tus)

  A standard way of measuring the ability of cancer patients to perform ordinary tasks. The Karnofsky Performance scores range from 0 to 100. A higher score means the patient is better able to carry out daily activities. KPS may be used to determine a patient's prognosis, to measure changes in a patient’s ability to function, or to decide if a patient could be included in a clinical trial. Also called KPS.