Sherman et al reported the TALK score to predict preservation of the larynx in a patient with laryngeal cancer. The authors are from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the University of Michigan and the University of Rochester.
TALK is an acronym for T stage, albumin, liquor and Karnofsky.
Parameter:
(1) T stage
(2) serum albumin in g/dL
(3) maximum liquor/alcohol use
(4) Karnofsky performance status
Parameter
Finding
Point
T stage
Tis to T3
0
T4
1
serum albumin
>= 4 g/dL
0
< 4 g/dL
1
alcohol/liquor use
none to moderate
0
major
1
Karnofsky Performance
80 to 100
0
10 to 70
1
where:
• Major alcohol use is >= 6 cans of beer per day or the equivalent in liquor,
total score =
= SUM(points for all of the parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 4
Total Score
Risk Group
3-Year Preservation
0
good
65%
1 or 2
guarded
41%
3 or 4
poor
6%
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