Discover the meaning of a hazard ratio (HR) < 1 in treatment comparisons. Learn why it indicates a better outcome for the new therapy and how to interpret survival analysis results.
Table of Contents
Question
What does a hazard ratio less than 1 indicate when comparing two treatments? (Assuming the standard treatment is the denominator and the new treatment is the numerator)
A. The new treatment is better than the standard treatment
B. The new treatment is worse than the standard treatment
C. There is no difference between the treatments
D. The standard treatment is better than the new treatment
Answer
A. The new treatment is better than the standard treatment
Explanation
A hazard ratio (HR) less than 1 indicates that the new treatment is better than the standard treatment (Option A). Here’s a detailed breakdown:
What Is a Hazard Ratio?
The hazard ratio compares the instantaneous risk (hazard rate) of an event (e.g., death, disease progression) between two groups over time.
Interpretation of HR < 1
HR < 1 means the new treatment has a lower hazard rate than the standard treatment.
This implies patients receiving the new therapy are less likely to experience the event (e.g., death) at any given time point during the study.
Example: If HR = 0.5, the new treatment reduces the hazard by 50% compared to the standard.
Why Option A Is Correct
Lower hazard = better outcome: A reduced hazard rate signals prolonged survival or delayed event occurrence. For instance, an HR of 0.6 means a 40% reduction in instantaneous risk of death for the new treatment group.
Misconception alert: HR ≠ relative risk (RR). A 40% hazard reduction does not mean a 40% absolute risk reduction.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
Option B/D (HR > 1): A ratio >1 would mean the new treatment is worse.
Option C (HR = 1): No difference in hazard rates.
In clinical trials, HR < 1 favors the new treatment, showing it reduces the instantaneous risk of the studied event compared to the standard. However, always consider confidence intervals and baseline hazard rates for full context.
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