title: A deterministic approach to survival statistics.
abstract: Survival functions of the form p(t) = exp[-(lambda t) gamma], gamma greater than 0 can be generated by deterministic nonlinear, asymptotically stable (chaotic) dynamical systems. These systems thus provide an alternative to stochastic interpretations of failure time data. We use this approach to analyze cancer patient survival statistics. In this manner we are able to obtain fresh insights into the implications of negative and positive clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Mackey
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Milton
mesh_terms: D001699:Biometry; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D011336:Probability