Flexible regression models with cubic splines.
We describe the use of cubic splines in regression models to represent the relationship between the response variable and a vector of covariates. This simple method can help prevent the problems that result from inappropriate linearity assumptions. We compare restricted cubic spline regression to non-parametric procedures for characterizing the relationship between age and survival in the Stanford Heart Transplant data. We also provide an illustrative example in cancer therapeutics.
Durrleman
S
S
Biometric Research Branch, NCI, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Simon
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011379:Prognosis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors