Log-logistic distribution for survival data analysis using MCMC

This paper focuses on the application of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique for estimating the parameters of log-logistic (LL) distribution which is dependent on a complete sample. To find Bayesian estimates for the parameters of the LL model OpenBUGS—established software for Bayesian analysis based on MCMC technique, is employed. It is presumed that samples for independent non informative set of priors for estimating LL parameters are drawn from posterior density function. A proposed module was developed and incorporated in OpenBUGS to estimate the Bayes estimators of the LL distribution. It is shown that statistically consistent parameter estimates and their respective credible intervals can be constructed through the use of OpenBUGS. Finally comparison of maximum likelihood estimate and Bayes estimates is carried out using three plots. Additively through this research it is established that computationally MCMC technique can be effortlessly put into practice. Elaborate procedure for applying MCMC, to estimate parameters of LL model, is demonstrated by making use of real survival data relating to bladder cancer patients.