In conclusion, although this non-randomised phase II study failed to meet the primary efficacy endpoint, the sequential administration of single agent gemcitabine followed by paclitaxel in first line treatment of advanced NSCLC had a favourable toxicity profile, a median TTP, and OS comparable with other sequential trials reported in the literature and might, therefore, be a treatment option for NSCLC patients with high ERCC1 expression. Here, ERCC1 is linked to non-small cell lung carcinoma.