General Relative-Risk Models for Survival Time and Matched Case-Control Analysis

Abstract

A general likelihood is derived for survival time and matched case-control analysis. It allows alternatives to the usual exponential dependence of relative risk on exposure variables; instead this dependence can be modelled in terms of any specific parametric function. These general relative risk models are particularly useful for study of forms of dose-response relationships with a single continuous exposure variable and forms of interactions between multiple exposure variables (continuous or discrete). Illustrative applications to data [for Quebec] on the risks of lung cancer in relation to smoking and asbestos exposure are presented. (summary in FRE) (EXCERPT)