To investigate the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c-Met in the oncogenesis, development and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).The relative copy numbers of EGFR and c-Met mRNA were detected in 61 cases of NSCLC by fluorescent RT-PCR, and the correlation between EGFR and c-Met as well as their correlation to the clinicopathological data of the patients were analyzed. A survival analysis was also performed in relation to EGFR and c-Met expressions.The relative copy numbers of EGFR and c-Met were positively correlated (r=0.352, P=0.005). The levels of these two genes in smokers were 0.15 and 0.14, respectively, significantly higher than those in non-smokers (P<0.05); their levels were 0.16 and 0.14 in adenocarcinoma, respectively, significantly higher than those in squamous carcinomas (P<0.05). In patients with squamous carcinomas, a higher level of EGFR and c-Met DNA copies was associated with poorer prognosis, and Log Rank analysis indicated a survival difference in relation to EGFR and c-Met DNA copies (P=0.015, P=0.046).EGFR and c-Met may interact in a synergistic manner in the oncogenesis and development of NSCLC, and may help in the prognostic evaluation of squamous carcinomas.