Statistical inference in the analysis of radiation compliance and its relation to treatment outcome.
A recent report in the literature was unable to associate the local--regional recurrence rates in breast cancer with deviations from the protocol's recommended dosages. The investigators proceeded to infer that there was "acceptable leeway" in the use of radiotherapy. The present manuscript examines the validity of certain statistical inferences drawn by these investigators.
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage