Abstract
We consider combining multiple biomarkers to improve diagnostic accuracy. Su and Liu derived the linear combinations that maximize the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. These linear combinations, however, may have unsatisfactory low sensitivity over a certain range of desired specificity. In this paper, we consider maximizing sensitivity over a range of specificity. We first present a simpler proof for Su and Liu's main theorem and further investigate some other optimal properties of their linear combinations. We then derive alternative linear combinations that have higher sensitivity over a range of high (or low) specificity. The methods are illustrated using data from a study evaluating biomarkers for coronary heart disease.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 37-47 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Statistics in Medicine |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 15 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Dominance of an ROC curve
- Maximizing sensitivity
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
- Sensitivity and specificity
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Epidemiology