Using Relative Utility Curves For Cancer Risk Prediction

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: IT / Internet / E-mail;  Breast Cancer
Article Date: 21 Oct 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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A relative utility curve is a simple method to evaluate risk prediction in a medical decision-making framework, according to a commentary published online October 20 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Risk prediction models that are based on medical history or the results of tests are becoming common in cancer literature and are used to provide additional information to those who are involved in making treatment decisions on the basis of estimated risk.

In this commentary, Stuart G. Baker, ScD, of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md., elaborates on the relative utility curve as a method for evaluating risk prediction. He illustrates the application of relative utility curves in an analysis of previously published data involving the addition of breast density to a risk prediction model for invasive breast cancer.

"An important use of relative utility curves is to evaluate the addition of a risk factor to the risk prediction model," according to the author.

Source:
Steve Graff
Journal of the National Cancer Institute