Comparison of Bayesian interim analysis and classical interim analysis in group sequential design

• Published in: Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University Vol. 35; no. 11; p. 1638
• Main Authors: Yuan, Lingling, Zhan, Zhiying, Tan, Xuhui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: China 01.11.2015
• Subjects: Bayes Theorem; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Sample Size
• ISSN: 1673-4254

To explore the differences between the Bayesian interim analysis and the classical interim analysis. To compare the means of two independent samples between control and treatment, superior hypothesis test was established. In line with the data requirements for group sequential design, Type Iota error of Bayesian interim analysis based on various prior distributions, Power, Average Sample Size and Average Stage were estimated in the interim analysis. In the Pocock and O' Brien & Fleming designs, the Type Iota errors in the Bayesian interim analysis based on the skeptical prior distribution and the handicap prior distribution were controlled at around 0.05. When the powers of these two classical designs were both 80%, Bayesian powers of the skeptical prior distribution and the handicap prior distribution were markedly lower. The powers of the non-informative prior distribution and the enthusiastic prior distribution were distinctly higher than 80%. In the Bayesian interim analysis based on the skeptical prior d