Li J., Ma S. Survival Analysis in Medicine and Genetics

N.-Y.: Chapman & Hall/CRC, 2013, - 381p.In modern medicine, knowledge of human lifetime and what shortens it has
been gradually accumulated over years of tremendous numerical studies. All
quantitative products in those studies are well supported by a system of statistical
tools, namely survival analysis. This book is specifically devoted to
this important category of statistical methods.
A number of well-written, widely used introductory texts on this subject
already exist. The first two chapters of this book may serve a similar function
and provide some basic textbook-type materials for a third- or fourth-year undergraduate
module or a graduate module in statistics or biostatistics. Compared
to other texts, we do not repeat basic principles of regression analysis
and focus mainly on the special concerns of the survival model. We cover almost
all fundamental materials while confining ourselves to simple notations
and plain language in these two chapters. The counting process theory is only
appended in the second chapter for the sake of completeness and may entertain
students who enjoy theories. According to the authors’ experiences, the
materials in these two chapters are usually sufficient for a one-semester module
at the level indicated above. Another piece that can be easily incorporated in
the syllabus of this module is the first section of Chapter 5 where elementary
diagnostic medicine approaches are discussed. Currently there is, as far as we
know, no formal statistical modules on diagnostic medicine in most statistics
departments. Usually, such issues are addressed in epidemiology modules. We
also feel this is relevant to statistical research, especially to survival analysis
and thus recommend the addition. Some exercises are included at the end of
the chapters.