Dimension reduction for censored regression data

Abstract

Without parametric assumptions, high-dimensional regression analysis is already complex. This is made even harder when data are subject to censoring. In this article, we seek ways of reducing the dimensionality of the regressor before applying nonparametric smoothing techniques. If the censoring time is independent of the lifetime, then the method of sliced inverse regression can be applied directly. Otherwise, modification is needed to adjust for the censoring bias. A key identity leading to the bias correction is derived and the root-$n$ consistency of the modified estimate is established. Patterns of censoring can also be studied under a similar dimension reduction framework. Some simulation results and an applica-tion to a real data set are reported.