Among patients with ERCC2 rs50872CC genotype, those with XRCC1 rs25487 GA+AA genotypes had increased death risk than those with rs25487GG genotype [HR (95% CI) = 1.67 (1.04–2.68), P = 0.034]; but among patients with ERCC2 rs50872CT+TT genotypes, the above effects of XRCC1 rs25487 GA+AA on death risk for advanced NSCLC patients were eliminated [HR (95% CI) = 1.06 (0.75–1.50), P = 0.741]. The gene discussed is XRCC1; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.