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Abstract:
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Positive and negative predictive values describe a markers predictive ability, while sensitivity and specificity describe its discriminating ability. The first Prentice criterion would be a nice condition for a biomarker to satisfy because then predictive values do not depend on a covariate (such as treatment) and the biomarker captures all relevant information about the clinical state of interest. A similar condition can be defined for sensitivity and specificity which states that these measures do not depend on a covariate. This condition is desirable because it allows sensitivity and specificity from one treatment setting to be applied to a different setting. We demonstrate, however, that the Prentice condition and EDA are incompatible. We discuss the implications of these results in the evaluation of imaging agents. Indeed, alternatives to sensitivity/specificity may be desirable
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