In this study, the expression of miR‐34a and Axl in EGFR mutant NSCLC cell lines and gefitinib‐resistant strains, as well as proteins in the related downstream PI3K/AKT, MEK/ERK and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, were compared to further explore the relationship between miR‐34a and gefitinib resistance; further, the analysis was performed to clarify whether miR‐34a is involved in the acquired drug resistance of NSCLC with EGFR mutation through regulation of Axl. This evidence concerns the gene SOAT1 and non-small cell lung carcinoma.