ABSTRACT
The cure model, or sometimes called “the cure rate model,” refers to a class of models for censored survival data from subjects when some of them will not develop the event of interest, however long they are followed. Those who are not going to develop the event of interest are often referred to as “cured subjects,” or “long-term survivors.” Clinical studies in cancer is a situation where there is a strong rationale for the existence of cured subjects because if the treatment is successful, the original cancer is removed and the subject will not experience recurrence of the disease. This is particularly true for patients in early cancer stages. Cured subjects can also be found in other disciplines, such as economics and social studies.
