This study evaluated the expression of several key genes involved in the regulation of the activity and metabolism of platinum and gemcitabine in microdissected, frozen NSCLC specimens, and, to our knowledge, is the first to demonstrate a significant association of cN-II mRNA levels with response to platinum and gemcitabine in advanced NSCLC patients. The gene discussed is NT5C2; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.