Analysis of progressive multi-state models with misclassified states: likelihood and pairwise likelihood methods

ABSTRACT Multi-state models are commonly used in studies of disease progression. Methods developed under this framework, however, are often challenged by misclassification in states. In this article, we investigate issues concerning continuous-time progressive multi-state models with state misclassification. We develop inference methods using both the likelihood and pairwise likelihood methods that are based on joint modelling of the progressive and misclassification processes. We assess the performance of the proposed methods by simulation studies, and illustrate their use by the application to the data arising from a coronary allograft vasculopathy study.