Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
ECOG performance status
Pronunciation: EE-kog
Also written as: ECOG — Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
Standardized scale measuring a cancer patient's functional capacity and ability to tolerate treatment.
Full Definition
The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status scale rates patients from 0 (fully active) to 5 (dead) based on their level of functioning and self-care ability. ECOG 0-1 patients are typically considered good surgical candidates, while ECOG 3-4 patients may require modified approaches or palliation. This assessment tool helps surgeons and oncologists make treatment decisions and predict outcomes in cancer care.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize ECOG and use with 'performance status' for clarity.
In Context
- "The patient's ECOG performance status of 2 influenced the decision for palliative care." — Treatment planning note
- "Preoperative ECOG 0 status predicted excellent surgical outcomes." — Clinical research paper
Also known as
performance status
functional status
PS
Don't confuse with
Karnofsky performance status
ASA physical status