t most of the study. YPL wrote the manuscript and performed data analysis. FJT, WLL, NT, and DZH participated in clinical data and information collection. CYP and LW conceived and supervised the project and reviewed the manuscript. All authors contributed to and approved the final manuscript by providing constructive suggestions.

Pre-publication history
=======================

The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:

<http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-230X/12/167/prepub>

Acknowledgements
================

This study was supported by National Science Council, Executive Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C. (NSC98-2320-B-039-008-MY3 and NSC101-2320-B-039-007-MY3), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan (DMR-97-024, DMR-98-011, DMR-99-016), China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (CMU99-ASIA-17), and in part by Taiwan Department of Health Clinical Trial and Research Center of Excellence (DOH101-TD-C-111-005).


Introduction {#Sec1}
============

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer in the world^[@CR1]^ and approximately 80--85% of lung cancers are non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Despite many advances in the treatment of NSCLC in recent years, the median survival is still \<12 months and \<15% of NSCLC patients survive more than 5 years from the initial diagnosis.^[@CR2]^ Even if NSCLC patients are treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the incidence of recurrence is still high.^[@CR3],[@CR4]^ Compared with traditional chemotherapy, precise tumor treatment is helpful to improve the treatment effect and quality of life. Targeted therapy has become an important means of disease treatment for NSCLC patients.^[@CR5]^

The growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumors cannot be separated from the new blood vessel supply of additional oxygen and nutrients.^[@CR6]^ Tumor angiogenesis is the key condition for tumor growth and metastasis, so antiangiogenic treatment is currently one of the main treatment strategies for lung cancer. Angiogenesis inhibitors, such as epidermal gro