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

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.