Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive breast cancer

The body of evidence investigating human epidermal growth factor receptor-2(HER2)directed therapy in patients with breast cancer(BC)has been growing within the last decade.Recently,the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)has been of particular interest in the treatment of human malignancies.This literature commentary is intended to highlight the most recent findings associated with the widely-studied TKI agents and their clinical significance in improving the outcomes of HER2 positive BC.

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer

First-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR-TKIs), including gefitinib and erlotinib, have proven to be highly effective agents for advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) in patients harboring an activating EGFR mutation such as the exon 19 deletion mutation and L858 R. Although those reversible small molecular targeted agents provide a significant response and survival benefit, all responders eventually acquire resistance. Secondgeneration EGFR-targeting agents, such as irreversible EGFR/HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors and pan-HER TKIs, may improve survival further and be useful for patients who acquired resistance to first-generation EGFR-TKIs. This review discusses novel therapeutic strategies for EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC using first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs.

Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma with EGFR 19-del Mutation Transformed into SCC after EGFR-tyrosine Kinase inhibitors Treatment:A Case report

BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR-TKIs)significantly improve the survival of patients with Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)sensitive mutations in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old female patient in advanced lung adenocarcinoma suffered from drug resistance after EGFR-TKIs treatment.Secondary pathological tissue biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)transformation.Patients inevitably encountered drug resistance issues after receiving EGFR-TKIs treatment for a certain period of time,while EGFR-TKIs can significantly improve the survival of patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations in NSCLC.Notably,EGFR-TKIs resistance includes primary and acquired.Pathological transformation is one of the mechanisms of acquired resistance in EGFR-TKIs,with SCC transformation being relatively rare.Our results provide more detailed results of the patient’s diagnosis and treatment process on SCC transformation after EGFR-TKIs treatment for lung adenocarcinoma.CONCLUSION Squamous cell carcinoma transformation is one of the acquired resistance mechanisms of EGFR-TKIs in advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutations.

Therapeutic Effect of First-line Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (EGFR-TKI)Combined with Whole Brain Radiotherapy on Patients with EGFR Mutation-positive Lung Adenocarcinoma and Brain Metastases

This study compared the therapeutic effect of first-line epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor(EGFR-TKI)with that of EGFR-TKI plus whole brain radiotherapy(WBRT)on patients with EGFR mutation-positive lung adenocarcinoma and brain metastases.A total of 139 patients with lung adenocarcinoma and brain metastases treated with first-line EGFR-TK1therapy from September 2008 to December 2017 were enrolled in this study.The study endpoints were intracranial time to progression(TTP)and overall survival(OS).The effects of clinical pathological parameters and EGFR gene status on the study endpoints were compared.The results showed that the intracranial TTP was significantly longer in EGFR-TKI plus WBRT group than in EGFR-TKI group (median 30.0 vs.18.2 months,χ2=10.824,P=0.001),but no significant difference in the OS was noted between the two groups (median 48.0 vs.41.1 months,χ2=0.012, P=0.912).Also,there was no statistically significant difference in the OS between patients treated with early and late radiotherapy (P=0.849)and between those with asymptomatic and those with symptomatic intracranial metastases (P=0.189).The OS and intracranial TTP of patients with intracranial oligometastases (≤3metastatic sites)were not significantly different from those of patients with multiple intracranial metastases (P=0.104 and P=0.357,respectively),and exon 19 and exon 21 mutations didn't show significant effects on the OS and intracranial TTP of patients (P=0.418 and P=0.386,respectively).In conclusion,there was no statistically significant difference in the OS between the EGFR-TKI alone group and EGFR-TK1 plus WBRT group.However, simultaneous use of WBRT was found to significantly prolong intracranial TTP and improve cerebral symptoms,and thus EGFR-TKI and WBRT combined may be clinically beneficial for patients with EGFR mutation-positive lung adenocarcinoma and brain metastases.

Is there a role for epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in epidermal growth factor receptor wildtype non-small cell lung cancer?

Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer with a world-wide annual incidence of around 1.3 million. The majority of patients arediagnosed with advanced disease and survival remains poor. However, relevant advances have occurred in recent years through the identification of biomarkers that predict for benefit of therapeutic agents. This is exemplified by the efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of EGFR mutant patients. These drugs have also shown efficacy in unselected populations but this point remains controversial. Here we have reviewed the clinical data that demonstrate a small but consistent subgroup of EGFR wild-type patients with NSCLC that obtain a clinical benefit from these drugs. Moreover, we review the biological rationale that may explain this benefit observed in the clinical setting.

New era of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors for lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death globally, besides recent advances in its management; it maintains a low 5-year survival rate of 15%. The discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) activating mutations and the introduction of its tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs) have expanded the treatment options for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Nowadays, EGFR mutation testing is now a common routine for newly diagnosed lung cancer. First generation TKIs developed, erlotinib and gefitinib, were reversible ones. After a median of 14 mo, eventually all EGFR mutated patients develop resistance to reversible TKIs. Afatinib, dacomitinib and neratinib, second generation inhibitors, are selective and irreversible TKIs. Finally, third generation phase Ⅰclinical trials were performed, with lower toxicity profiles, and targeting with more precision the driving clone of this heterogeneous disease.

Research progress in the use of combinations of platinum-based chemotherapy and epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors

In the past decade,the advent of the epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR-TKIs)has dramatically influenced the therapeutic strategies for treating lung cancer,but with tumor progression and drug resistance,patients will ultimately develop reduced sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs.How can we delay the emergence of drug resistance? What is the next strategy after drug resistance? How to reasonably combine platinum-based chemotherapy and EGFR-TKIs? These questions are currently the focus of lung cancer research.Clinical studies have reported that platinum-based chemotherapy can increase the sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs.However,results of pre-clinical and clinical studies have been inconsistent.The mechanisms of platinum chemotherapy and EGFR-TKIs are still unknown due to the lack of systematic research.Therefore,systematic studies are required to show the mechanisms of EGFR-TKIs and chemotherapy agents and define the markers sensitive to their combinations when given concurrently or sequentially.

Advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR 19-del mutation transforms into squamous cell carcinoma after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment

In this editorial we comment on the article by Ji et al.We focus specifically on the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor(EGFR-TKI)treatment and the development of drug resistance to EGFR-TKIs.

Repurposed anti-cancer epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: mechanisms of neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s disease

Numerous molecular mechanisms are being examined in an attempt to discover disease-modifying drugs to slow down the underlying neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease.Recent studies have shown the beneficial effects of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors on the enhancement of behavioral and pathological sequelae in Alzheimer’s disease.Despite the promising effects of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease,there is no irrefutable neuroprotective evidence in well-established animal models using epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors due to many un-explored downstream signaling pathways.This caused controversy about the potential involvement of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in any prospective clinical trial.In this review,the mystery beyond the under-investigation of epidermal growth factor receptor in Alzheimer’s disease will be discussed.Furthermore,their molecular mechanisms in neurodegeneration will be explained.Also,we will shed light on SARS-COVID-19 induced neurological manifestations mediated by epidermal growth factor modulation.Finally,we will discuss future perspectives and under-examined epidermal growth factor receptor downstream signaling pathways that warrant more exploration.We conclude that epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are novel effective therapeutic approaches that require further research in attempts to be repositioned in the delay of Alzheimer’s disease progression.

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in colorectal cancer treatment: What's new?

Colorectal cancer constitutes one of the most common malignancies and the second leading cause of death from cancer in the western world representing one million new cases and half a million deaths annually worldwide. The treatment of patients with metastatic colon cancer comprises different regimens of chemotherapeutic compounds （fluoropyrimidines, irinotecan and oxaliplatin） and new targeted therapies. Interestingly, most recent trials that attempt to expose patients to all five-drug classes （fluoropyrimidines, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab and cetuximab） achieve an overall survival well over 2 years. In this review we will focus on the main epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors demonstrating clinical benefit for colorectal cancer mainly cetuximab, panitumumab, erlotinib and gefltinib. We will also describe briefly the molecular steps that lie beneath them and the different clinical or molecular mechanisms that are reported for resistance and response.

Coexistence of anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement in lung adenocarcinoma harbouring epidermal growth factor receptor mutation:A single-center study

BACKGROUND Accumulating evidences confirm that epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK)rearrangement have coexisted in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD).However,Its biological mechanism,clinicopathological features,and optimization of targeted drugs have not yet been completely elucidated.AIM To explore the clinical profile of LUAD patients with co-mutations of EGFR and ALK genes,with hopes of scientifically guiding similar patients towards selected,targeted drugs.METHODS Two hundred and thirty-seven LUAD patients were enrolled.EGFR mutations were detected by the amplification refractory mutation system-peptide nucleic acid technique,while the expression of ALK rearrangement was screened by the 5′/3′imbalance strategy for reverse transcription followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.The clinicopathological features of these patients were analysed retrospectively,and the follow-up data were collected.RESULTS There were six cases with co-mutations of EGFR and ALK genes,which were more common in women,non-smoking and stage IV LUAD patients with bone metastasis,hence a positive rate of 2.53%(6/237).EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR-TKIs)were their preferred drugs for targeted therapy in these patients,with progression-free survival ranging from two months to six months.CONCLUSION In Gannan region,the positive rate of co-mutations of EGFR and ALK genes in LUAD patients is relatively high,and the co-mutations are more common in women,non-smoking and stage IV patients with bone metastasis.These patients prefer EGFR-TKIs as their preferred targeted drugs,but the therapeutic effect is not good.EGFR/ALK dual-TKIs may be more effective targeted drugs,which needs further study.

参苓白术散联合EGFR-TKIs靶向治疗非小细胞肺癌临床观察

目的 参苓白术散联合人表皮生长因子受体酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(EGFR-TKIs)靶向治疗非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)的临床效果。方法 将患者随机分为对照组(29例)和联合组(30例)。对照组采用EGFR-TKIs靶向治疗,联合组在对照组基础上予口服参苓白术散。治疗9周,比较2组临床疗效、中医证候积分、免疫功能指标及不良反应发生率。结果 联合组临床疗效优于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,2组中医证候积分下降,联合组偏低(P<0.05);2组CD4^(+)、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)比率升高,联合组偏高(P<0.05),CD8^(+)水平则降低,联合组偏低(P<0.05)。联合组不良反应总发生率低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论 参苓白术散联合EGFR-TKIs靶向治疗NSCLC疗效显著,可改善免疫功能,减轻不良反应。

基于网络药理学与体外实验探讨淫羊藿素抗非小细胞肺癌EGFR-TKIs耐药的分子机制

目的基于网络药理学与体外实验探讨淫羊藿素抗非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)表皮生长因子受体-酪氨酸酶抑制剂(EGFR-TKIs)耐药的分子机制。方法利用PubChem和化合物靶点预测(Swiss Target Prediction)数据库下载淫羊藿素的简化分子线性输入规范(SMILES)号及作用靶点,通过人类基因(GeneCards)和在线人类孟德尔遗传(OMIM)数据库收集NSCLC耐药疾病靶点,将药物与疾病交集靶点导入STRING数据库分析蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用(PPI)情况,运用Cytoscape 3.9.1软件内置插件计算节点拓扑参数值并筛选核心靶点,采用生物信息学分析平台(DAVID)数据库进行京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)和基因本体(GO)富集分析,构建“淫羊藿素-关键靶点-疾病-通路”图。使用Pymol和Autodock Tools 1.5.7软件进行分子对接。体外实验选用NSCLC耐药株PC9OR研究淫羊藿素对细胞增殖、集落形成、迁移、侵袭和凋亡能力的影响,并对富集得到的核心靶点及关键通路进行验证。结果共筛选到淫羊藿素治疗NSCLC耐药的潜在作用靶点1952个。通过PPI网络节点拓扑参数值筛选得到13个核心靶点,涉及蛋白激酶B(AKT1)、雌激素受体α(ESR1)、B淋巴细胞瘤2(BCL2)、表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)等基因。KEGG通路富集分析显示,癌症相关通路、磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶-蛋白激酶B(PI3K-AKT)信号通路、EGFR-TKIs耐药通路等可能在淫羊藿素治疗NSCLC EGFR-TKIs耐药的过程中起关键作用。GO富集分析显示,细胞功能涉及信号传导、凋亡过程的负调控、DNA转录的正调控等。分子对接显示淫羊藿素与各核心靶点均具有较强的结合能力。细胞实验表明,淫羊藿素抑制耐药细胞的增殖、集落形成、迁移、侵袭及促进细胞凋亡,并下调ESR1、AKT1、EGFR等mRNA表达水平以及PI3K-AKT通路磷酸化磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶(p-PI3K)、磷酸化蛋白激酶B(p-AKT)的关键蛋白水平。结论淫羊藿素可能通过多靶点调控PI3K-AKT通路抑制EGFR-TKIs耐药细胞的增殖、集落形成、迁移、侵袭及促进细胞凋亡,从而发挥抗NSCLC EGFR-TKIs耐药的作用。

贾英杰治疗EGFR-TKIs相关口腔黏膜炎经验

表皮生长因子受体酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(EGFR-TKIs)相关口腔黏膜炎是肿瘤患者使用EGFR-TKIs类药物治疗后常见的不良反应。贾英杰教授认为本病病位在口腔,与心、脾、肾密切相关,基本病机为正气内虚、毒瘀并存,药毒侵袭为促使病情发展的核心要素。病程初期,常见心脾积热证、脾胃伏火证,治疗以祛邪为主,心脾积热证以导赤散治疗,脾胃伏火证以泻黄散治疗;病程后期,常见阴虚火旺证、脾肾两虚证,治疗以扶正为主,阴虚火旺证以知柏地黄丸治疗,脾肾两虚证以补中益气汤加减治疗。附验案1则。

EGFR突变的晚期肺腺癌患者EGFR-TKIs治疗过程中脑转移的危险因素分析

目的 评估表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)突变的晚期肺腺癌患者酷氨酸激酶抑制剂(EGFR-TKIs)治疗过程中脑转移的危险因素研究,为临床诊治提供参考。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月至2020年1月收治的134例EGFR突变晚期肺腺癌患者的临床资料,均随访至2023年4月30日。用Kaplan-Meier法计算脑转移的累积发病率,用多因素Cox回归分析脑转移的独立危险因素。结果 34例患者(25.4%)在EGFR-TKIs治疗过程中发生脑转移。多因素分析显示年龄≤53岁(HR:2.751,95%CI:1.326~5.707;P=0.007)、血清癌胚抗原≥23 ng/mL(HR:3.197,95%CI:1.512~6.758;P=0.002)和EGFR21外显子突变(HR:2.769,95%CI:1.355~5.659;P=0.005)是发生脑转移的独立高危因素。结论 EGFR突变的晚期肺腺癌患者EGFR-TKIs治疗过程中脑转移的危险因素较多,临床上值得注意。

Efficacy and Safety of Primary Radiotherapy in Combination with EGFR-TKIs for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring EGFR Mutation

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of EGFR-TKI with the radiotherapy in EGFR mutant metastatic NSCLC. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 72 patients with stage IV lung cancer with EGFR-sensitive mutation. Patients in the A group were treated with the first-generation EGFR-TKI (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor) combined with radiotherapy for primary tumors (34 cases). The B group was treated with the first-generation EGFR-TKI alone until the disease progressed (38 cases). PFS, OS, pulmonary infection and hematological toxicity during treatment were commented in both groups. Results: The objective remission rate was 47.1% (16/34) in the A group and 21.1% (8/38) in the B group. There was a significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference in hematological toxicity between the A group and the B group. There were 10 patients (29.4%) with degree II pulmonary infection in the A group and 3 patients (7.9%) in the B group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant, suggesting that the incidence of pneumonia in the A group was higher than that in the B group. The median PFS (Progression-Free Survival)) and OS (Overall Survival) of the A group were significantly longer than those of the B group (16.5 months vs 9 months) and the median OS (36 months vs 19 months). The PFS and OS in the A group were significantly longer than those in the B group. Conclusion: EGFR-TKI combined with primary radiotherapy can significantly prolong the drug resistance time of EGFR mutant metastatic NSCLC.

基于生物信息学筛选与铁死亡有关的非小细胞肺癌EGFR-TKIs耐药DEGs

目的基于生物信息学筛选与铁死亡有关的非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)-酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(TKIs)耐药差异表达基因(DEGs)。方法从基因表达综合数据库(GEO)中选取NSCLC EGFR-TKIs耐药的细胞测序基因集GSE117846,从中筛选P<0.05且|log 2FC|≥1(FC表示变化倍数)的DEGs。利用FerrDb数据库获取铁死亡相关基因。采用jvenn对从GSE117846数据集中筛选得到的DEGs与从FerrDb数据库中获取的铁死亡相关基因取交集。对交集基因进行基因本体论(GO)功能和京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)通路富集分析,并绘制蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用(PPI)网络。采用Cytoscape软件中的Cytohubba插件计算交集基因的评分,取评分前10的基因用于Hub基因的筛选。利用ULCAN和GEPIA2数据库分析Hub基因在NSCLC中的表达及对患者生存预后的影响。通过实时荧光定量PCR(qPCR)检测Hub基因mRNA在NSCLC患者癌组织和癌旁组织及体外细胞中的相对表达水平,验证生物信息学的分析结果。结果共筛选获得60个与铁死亡有关的NSCLC EGFR-TKIs耐药DEGs,包括30个上调基因和30个下调基因。这60个基因主要富集在P53信号通路、铁死亡通路、FoxO信号通路。PPI网络中有57个节点和99条边,平均聚类系数为0.377,PPI富集P<0.01。Cytohubba插件筛选得到的Hub基因为肿瘤蛋白P63(TP63)。ULCAN和GEPIA2数据库分析显示,肺腺癌组织中的TP63表达水平低于正常组织,而肺鳞癌组织中的TP63表达水平高于正常组织,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);在肺腺癌患者中,TP63高、低表达组的生存预后比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),而在肺鳞癌患者中,TP63低表达组的生存预后较好,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。qPCR检测显示,与癌旁组织相比,TP63 mRNA在肺鳞癌组织中高表达,在肺腺癌组织中低表达,差异均有统计性意义(P<0.05);在体外细胞中检测到TP63 mRNA在对吉非替尼耐药的PC9/GR细胞中表达下调(P<0.05),与生物信息学的分析结果一致。结论TP63可能为连接NSCLC EGFR-TKIs耐药与铁死亡的重要基因。

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors:Multi-targeted or single-targeted?

Since in most tumors multiple signaling pathways are involved,many of the inhibitors in clinical development are designed to affect a wide range of targeted kinases.The most important tyrosine kinase families in the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors are the ABL,SCR,platelet derived growth factor,vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor families.Both multi-kinase inhibitors and singlekinase inhibitors have advantages and disadvantages,which are related to potential resistance mechanisms,pharmacokinetics,selectivity and tumor environment.In different malignancies various tyrosine kinases are mutated or overexpressed and several resistance mechanisms exist.Pharmacokinetics is influenced by interindividual differences and differs for two single targeted inhibitors or between patients treated by the same tyrosine kinase inhibitor.Different tyrosine kinase inhibitors have various mechanisms to achieve selectivity,while differences in gene expression exist between tumor and stromal cells.Considering these aspects,one type of inhibitor can generally not be preferred above the other,but will depend on the specific genetic constitution of the patient and the tumor,allowing personalized therapy.The most effective way of cancer treatment by using tyrosine kinase inhibitors is to consider each patient/tumor individually and to determine the strategy that specifically targets the consequences of altered(epi)genetics of the tumor.This strategy might result in treatment by a single multi kinase inhibitor for one patient,but in treatment by a couple of single kinase inhibitors for other patients.

Associations Between Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene Mutation and Serum Tumor Markers in Advanced Lung Adenocarcinomas: A Retrospective Study

Objective To investigate the associations between epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） gene mutations and serum tumor markers in advanced lung adenocarcinomas. Methods We investigated the association between EGFR gene mutations and clinical features, including serum tumor marker levels, in 97 advanced lung adenocarcinomas patients who did not undergo the treatment of EGlaR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. EGFR gene mutation was detected by real-time PCR at exons 18, 19, 20, and 21. Serum tumor marker concentrations were analyzed by chemiluminescence assay kit at the same time. Results EGFR gene mutations were detected in 42 （43%） advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients. Gender （P=0.003）, smoking status （P=0.001）, and abnormal serum status of carcinoembryonic antigen （CEA, P=0.028） were significantly associated with EGFR gene mutation incidence. Multivariate analysis showed the abnormal CEA level in serum was independently associated with the incidence of EGFR gene mutation （P=0.046） with an odds ratio of 2.613 （95% Ch 1.018-6.710）. However, receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis revealed CEA was not an ideal predictive marker for EGFR gene mutation status in advanced lung adenocarcinoma （the area under the ROC curve was 0.608, P=0.069）. Conclusions EGFR gene mutation status is significantly associated with serum CEA status in advanced lung adenocarcinmoas. However, serum CEA is not an ideal predictor for EGFR mutation.

Efficacy of EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Harboring Different Types of EGFR Mutations:A Retrospective Analysis

With the development of molecular pathology, many types of epidermal growth factor receptor（EGFR） mutations have been identified. The efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors（EGFR-TKIs） in non-small cell lung cancer（NSCLC） patients with different types of EGFR mutations, especially in patients with single rare mutations or complex mutations（co-occurrence of two or more different mutations）, has not been fully understood. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC patients with different types of EGFR mutations. Clinical data of 809 NSCLC patients who harbored different types of EGFR mutations and treated from January 2012 to October 2016 at Renmin Hospital and Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics of these patients and the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs were analyzed. Among these patients, 377 patients had only the EGFR del-19 mutation, 362 patients the EGFR L858R mutation in exon 21, 33 patients single rare mutations and 37 patients complex mutations. Among these 809 patients, 239 patients were treated with EGFR-TKIs. In all the 239 patients, the disease control rate（DCR） was 93.7% with two patients（0.2%） achieving complete response（CR）, the median progression free survival（PFS） was 13.0 months（95% confidence interval [CI], 11.6–14.4 months）, and the median overall survival（OS） was 55.0 months（95% CI, 26.3–83.7 months）. Subgroup analysis revealed that the DCR in patients harboring single rare or complex mutations of EGFR was significantly lower than in those with del-19 or L858 R mutation（P〈0.001）. Patients with classic mutations（del-19 and/or L858 R mutations） demonstrated longer PFS（P〈0.001） and OS（P=0.017） than those with uncommon mutations（single rare and/or complex mutations）. Furthermore, the patients with single rare mutations had shorter median OS than in those with other mutations. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified that the type of EGFR mutations was an independent risk factor for PFS（hazard ratio [HR]=0.308, 95% CI, 0.191–0.494, P〈0.001） and OS（HR=0.221, 95% CI, 0.101–0.480, P〈0.001）. The results suggest that the single rare or complex EGFR mutations confer inferior efficacy of EGFR-TKIs treatment to the classic mutations. The prognosis of the single rare EGFR mutations is depressing. EGFR-TKIs may be not a good choice for NSCLC patients with single rare mutations of EGFR. Further studies in these patients with uncommon mutations（especially for the patients with single rare mutations） are needed to determine a better precision treatment.