Estimation of the Benchmark Dose for Right-Censored Lifetime Data

Abstract

In this paper, we consider estimating the benchmark dose in a dose–response study with right-censored lifetime data, where the benchmark dose is the dose corresponding to a specific benchmark response, which is related to the probability that the lifetime of a subject receiving the dose is too short. Under the Cox or Weibull extension proportional hazards model, simultaneous lower confidence limits on the benchmark dose are developed. We further conduct a Monte Carlo study to investigate the performance of the proposed lower confidence limits. Finally, a real dataset is illustrated to demonstrate the application of the proposed procedures.

Keywords:

• Benchmark dose
• Extra risk
• Proportional hazards model
• Right-censored lifetime
• Weibull extension distribution

Mathematics Subject Classification:

• 62-07
• 62N01

Acknowledgment

The authors thank the two referees for their constructive comments and suggestions which have greatly improved the presentation of the materials in this paper.