Multivariate analysis showed that PI3K (HR=2.143; 95% CI, 1.211–3.790; P=0.009), p-Akt (HR=1.991; 95% CI, 1.009–3.927; P=0.047), TNM stage (HR=4.788; 95% CI, 2.591–8.848; P=0.001) and ECOG-PS (HR=3.272; 95% CI, 1.701–6.296; P=0.001) were independent predictors for survival in stage IIIB–IV NSCLC patients (Figs. 4 and 5; Table III). The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.