Karnofsky Performance Score – An Independent Prognostic Factor of Survival After Palliative Irradiation for Sino-nasal Cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: Sino-nasal cancer is rare and often diagnosed at advanced stages. Some patients cannot receive curative treatment and are treated with palliative irradiation. We aimed to identify prognostic factors for survival to facilitate treatment personalization for this group. Patients and Methods: Twelve patients treated with palliative radiotherapy for locally advanced sino-nasal cancer were retrospectively analyzed for survival. Ten characteristics were evaluated including age, gender, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), pre-radiotherapy hemoglobin, tumor site, lymph node involvement, histology, equivalent dose in 2 Gy-fractions, completion of radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy. Results: On univariate analysis, KPS ≥70 (p<0.001) and completion of radiotherapy (p<0.001) were significantly associated with better survival. Chemotherapy showed a trend (p=0.097). In the multivariate analysis, KPS ≥70 was significant (p=0.025), and completion of radiotherapy showed a trend (p=0.080). Conclusion: KPS is an independent predictor of survival for palliative irradiation of sino-nasal cancer. Patients require close monitoring and care for side effects, since completion of radiotherapy is important for survival.

Clinical Efficacy of Superficial Temporal Artery-middle Cerebral Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery Combined With Temporal Muscle Patch on Patients With Moyamoya Disease

“…Clinical symptoms and quality of life (QoL) of patients were evaluated by the same doctor. The patients were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Karnofsky performance scale (KPS), according to their clinical symptoms and signs 14,15. The specific scores of mRS: 0 points: completely asymptomatic; 1 point: symptomatic, but without obvious dysfunction and with ability to complete all daily work and life activities; 2 points; mildly disabled, without ability to complete all preillness activities but without requirement of help in daily affairs; 3 points: moderately disabled, with partial help, but with ability to walk independently; 4 points: severely disabled, without ability to walk independently; 5 points: severely disabled and bedridden, with urinary incontinence, and total dependence on others in daily life.…”

Current status of sinonasal cancer survivorship care

“…43 Several surveys have been developed to evaluate these effects, including SNOT-22, 44 Anterior Skull Base Questionnaire (ASBQ), 45 The M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck (MDASI-HN), 46 and Skull Base Inventory. 47 The Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), 48 Karnosfsky Performance Status, 49,50 and EQ-5D 51 have also been utilized although these focus more on the general state of health of the patients.…”

Survival prediction in advanced cancer patients – a narrative review

“…One recent study has shown that it remains strongly associated with the overall survival of a contemporary cohort of cancer patients who attend palliative care services [20]. Furthermore, a Karnofsky Performance Score greater than or equal to 70 is an independent predictor of better survival for palliative irradiation of sinonasal cancer [21].…”