Estimation of Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients Using Presmoothing and Cure Models

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women. Nowadays, the side-effects that some treatments against this type of cancer can be a major problem. One example of this is HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Patients are prescribed trastuzumab, a drug with anti-tumour efficacy, but this treatment can cause various undesirable effects such as heart problems, known as cardiotoxicity. With the aim of improving the quality of life of those affected, the question is clear: what is the likelihood of suffering cardiotoxicity? In this work, this probability is estimated using a new approach to the classic cure models: the presmoothed cure models.