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Clinical calculator summary

CUPI Score (Cancer of Unknown Primary)

The Cancer of Unknown Primary Index (CUPI) stratifies patients with metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) into two prognostic groups.

Evidence-based context for fast calculator use

Purpose:
CUPI score stratifies cancer of unknown primary into low- and high-risk groups using performance status, histology, and labs to guide therapy intensity.
Population:
patients whose general oncology assessment matches the intended use of the selected score
Factors:
ECOG Performance Status, Histology, Liver Metastases, Bone Metastases, Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase?, Elevated LDH?, Low Albumin?, Lymph Node Metastases Present?
Reference:
Fizazi K, Culine S, Schnitzler A, et al. Carcinoma of unknown primary site: data on 1000 consecutive patients. J Clin Oncol. 2003;21(9):1725-1731.
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CUPI Score (Cancer of Unknown Primary)

Clinical Context & Background

The Cancer of Unknown Primary Index (CUPI) stratifies patients with metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) into two prognostic groups. It is based on performance status, histology, and specific metastatic sites/lab values. Low-risk patients have significantly better survival and may benefit from more intensive therapy.
Primary Source EvidenceFizazi K, Culine S, Schnitzler A, et al. Carcinoma of unknown primary site: data on 1000 consecutive patients. J Clin Oncol. 2003;21(9):1725-1731.
Formula Logic
Sum of weighted prognostic factors (Performance Status, Histology, Liver/Bone Mets, ALP, LDH, Albumin).

Reference Data

Risk GroupTotal ScoreMedian Survival (Historical)
Low Risk< 27 (approx)11+ months
High Risk≥ 274 months

Clinical Workflow

Use, Interpret, And Continue The Patient Pathway

Expand for workflow guidance, limitations, examples, and related next steps.

When To Use

  • Use CUPI Score (Cancer of Unknown Primary) when cUPI score stratifies cancer of unknown primary into low- and high-risk groups using performance status, histology, and labs to guide therapy intensity.
  • Confirm that the patient, diagnosis, disease phase, and available inputs match the cited model before calculation.

How To Interpret

  • Interpret the displayed result using the calculator-specific formula and reference table, spanning Low Risk through High Risk.
  • A boundary result should prompt input verification and clinical review rather than false precision.

What To Do Next

  • Integrate the result with diagnosis, disease burden, organ function, frailty, treatment intent, medicines, and patient goals.
  • Document the inputs, result, timing, and clinical context so the assessment can be reproduced.

Limitations

  • General oncology tools measure one domain and should not become a universal treatment-eligibility rule.
  • The result supports clinician judgment and does not independently determine treatment.

Validated Population

patients whose general oncology assessment matches the intended use of the selected score

How to apply this result

For a representative case, verify ECOG Performance Status, Histology, Liver Metastases, calculate the result, and confirm that its classification matches the highlighted reference band before continuing the disease-specific pathway.

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Related Tools

ECOG Performance StatusBody Surface Area (BSA)Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS)

Frequently Asked Questions

When should CUPI Score (Cancer of Unknown Primary) be used?

Use it for patients whose general oncology assessment matches the intended use of the selected score when all required inputs and the intended clinical setting are confirmed.

Can CUPI Score (Cancer of Unknown Primary) determine treatment by itself?

No. Interpret the result with the cited evidence, complete clinical assessment, current guidelines, and patient-specific goals.

Evidence-based oncology decision support. Verify with clinical guidelines.