The KPS is crucial in cancer care for several reasons:
1. Treatment Decisions: It helps oncologists determine the appropriateness of various treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Patients with higher KPS scores are generally more likely to tolerate aggressive treatment. 2. Prognosis: KPS scores can provide insights into a patient’s prognosis. Higher scores are often associated with better outcomes and longer survival times. 3. Clinical Trials: Many clinical trials use KPS scores as part of their inclusion criteria to ensure participants are able to handle the experimental treatments being tested. 4. Quality of Life: Tracking KPS scores over time can help monitor changes in a patient’s quality of life, guiding both treatment and palliative care decisions.