Modeling Recovery Curves With Application to Prostatectomy

Abstract: We propose a Bayesian model that predicts recovery curves based on information available before the disruptive event. A recovery curve of interest is the quantified sexual function of prostate cancer patients after prostatectomy surgery. We illustrate the utility of our model as a pre-treatment medical decision aid, producing personalized predictions that are both interpretable and accurate. We uncover covariate relationships that agree with and supplement that in existing medical literature.