Dynamic survival analysis: Modelling the hazard function via ordinary differential equations.

ABSTRACT: The hazard function represents one of the main quantities of interest in the analysis of survival data. We propose a general approach for parametrically modelling the dynamics of the hazard function using systems of autonomous ordinary differential equations (ODEs). This modelling approach can be used to provide qualitative and quantitative analyses of the evolution of the hazard function over time. Our proposal capitalises on the extensive literature on ODEs which, in particular, allows for establishing basic rules or laws on the dynamics of the hazard function via the use of autonomous ODEs. We show how to implement the proposed modelling framework in cases where there is an analytic solution to the system of ODEs or where an ODE solver is required to obtain a numerical solution.

SUBMITTER: Christen JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11577698 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature