Gaining more flexibility in Cox proportional hazards regression models with cubic spline functions

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Abstract

The Cox proportional hazards model is the most popular model for the analysis of survival data. The use of cubic spline functions allows investigation of non-linear effects of continuous covariates and flexible assessment of time-by-covariate interactions. Two main advantages are provided—no particular functional form has to be specified and standard computer software packages like SAS or BMDP can be used. A SAS macro which implements the method is presented.

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