Objective: To investigate the effect of Kangliu Zengxiao formula combined with gefitinib in treating elderly non-small cell lung cancer and on inflammation factors

level of T cell subsets and serum tumor markers. Method: The 84 cases of elderly non-small cell lung cancer were selected

and the patients or their family members signed the informed consent toactively cooperate with the study. They were divided into 2 groups. The 42 patients in control group were treated with gefitinib alone

while the 42 patients in treatment group received Kangliu Zengxiao formula. Quality of life

inflammatory cytokines and T lymphocyte subsets

and the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were observed and compared. Result: The control group was inferior to treatment group in effective rate(P<0.05). Compared with before treatment

survival quality

inflammatory cytokines and T cell subsets level changed in both groups. Compared with the control group

body function

role function

social function

emotional function score

levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2)

interleukin-12(IL-12) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) were higher in treatment group

with lower CD8+ level

and CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ levels were higher in control group(P<0.05). After treatment

vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) increase dinthe control group

whereas treatment group showed decreased VEGF (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment

the two groups showed no statistically significant difference in carcino embryonic antigen (CEA)

carbohydrate antigen-125(CA125) and cytokeratin 19 fragments(CYFRA21-1)

with no inter-group statistical significance. Adverse reactions in two groups were mild

with no adverse drug reaction. Conclusion: Kangliu Zengxiao formula combined with gefitinib in the treatment of elderly non-small cell lung cancer was effective

and can improve the life quality and immune function.