Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade definitions
| Grade | Definition |
| Grade 1 | Mild; asymptomatic or mild symptoms; clinical or diagnostic observations only; intervention not indicated |
| Grade 2 | Moderate; minimal, local or non-invasive intervention indicated; limiting age-appropriate instrumental ADL* |
| Grade 3 | Severe or medically significant but not immediately life-threatening; hospitalisation or prolongation of hospitalisation indicated; disabling; limiting self-care ADL† |
| Grade 4 | Life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated |
| Grade 5 | Death related to adverse event |
From: Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. 2017.
*Instrumental ADL refer to preparing meals, shopping for groceries or clothes, using the telephone, managing money, etc.
†Self-care ADL refer to bathing, dressing and undressing, feeding self, using the toilet, taking medications and not bedridden.
ADL, activities of daily living.