A flexible model for survival data with a cure rate: a Bayesian approach

Abstract

In this paper we deal with a Bayesian analysis for right-censored survival data suitable for populations with a cure rate. We consider a cure rate model based on the negative binomial distribution, encompassing as a special case the promotion time cure model. Bayesian analysis is based on Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. We also present some discussion on model selection and an illustration with a real data set.

Keywords:

• survival analysis
• cure rate models
• long-term survival models
• negative binomial distribution
• Bayesian analysis
• piecewise exponential distribution
• Weibull distribution

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the fruitful comments and suggestions of two anonymous referees. V.G. Cancho acknowledges partial support from CNPq, Brazil (grant number 473333/2008-2).