Objective      To identify the clinical features

diagnosis and treatment of interstitial pneumonia related to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) which were used in advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).       Methods      Retrospective analysis was carried out in 4 cases with NSCLC who developed interstitial pneumonia after EGFR-TKIs therapy in our department from March 2007 to September 2011. Their clinical features

diagnosis

treatment and outcome were analyzed.       Results      The 4 patients had previously received chemotherapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity and then turned to receive gefitinib or erlotinib orally. However

within 30 d after the treatment

the patients suffered from dyspnea

cough and hypoxemia and developed interstitial pneumonia. Three patients died of respiratory failure due to rapid disease progression

which reflected the poor prognosis of the interstitial pneumonia.        Conclusion      EGFR-TKIs-related interstitial pneumonia is with poor prognosis and high mortality. Timely chest CT scanning

pulmonary function testing

blood gas analysis and other tests should be performed as soon as dyspnea

cough and hypoxemia are seen. Relevant treatment such as discontinuation of EGFR-TKIs immediately

use of corticosteroids

oxygen therapy and respiration supporting when necessary

can probably improve the prognosis and survival of patients.