Balakrishnan N, Milienos FS. On a class of non-linear transformation cure rate models.
Biom J 2020;
62:1208-1222. [PMID:
32175632 DOI:
10.1002/bimj.201900005]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a generalization of the mixture (binary) cure rate model, motivated by the existence of a zero-modified (inflation or deflation) distribution, on the initial number of causes, under a competing cause scenario. This non-linear transformation cure rate model is in the same form of models studied in the past; however, following our approach, we are able to give a realistic interpretation to a specific class of proper transformation functions, for the cure rate modeling. The estimation of the parameters is then carried out using the maximum likelihood method along with a profile approach. A simulation study examines the accuracy of the proposed estimation method and the model discrimination based on the likelihood ratio test. For illustrative purposes, analysis of two real life data-sets, one on recidivism and another on cutaneous melanoma, is also carried out.
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