What should you know about KPS and glioblastoma?

The score is based on practical abilities such as working, walking, personal care, and whether a person needs help or frequent medical support. It is not a scan of the tumour and does not measure tumour size directly. A score can change as symptoms, treatment effects, strength, or other illnesses change.

For glioblastoma, clinicians may use functional status with imaging, examination findings, age, health conditions, and the person's goals. It can help the team judge how demanding a treatment plan may be and what support would make treatment more manageable. One score should not be read as a complete prediction for an individual.

Ask the team to explain the recorded KPS in everyday terms and what abilities it reflects. Share changes in walking, speech, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep, and self-care. An occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech therapist, or palliative-care clinician may help with specific difficulties while cancer treatment is being considered or delivered.

Glioblastoma care may involve brain tumour surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, rehabilitation, seizure management, and symptom support. The order depends on the biopsy or surgical findings, imaging, recovery, and personal priorities. Bring a medicines list and a trusted support person if appointments feel difficult to follow.

Contact the treating team promptly for a new or worsening seizure, increasing confusion, severe headache, repeated vomiting, new weakness, worsening balance, or a sudden change in speech or vision. These symptoms can reflect tumour-related swelling, treatment effects, or another urgent problem.

Call emergency services for a prolonged seizure, trouble breathing, collapse, or sudden severe weakness. Keep the person safe from falls and follow the seizure plan provided by the clinical team.

Ask: What does this KPS score mean for daily life? Which symptoms lowered it? Can rehabilitation or symptom treatment improve function? How will function be reassessed? Which treatment options fit the person's abilities and goals?