We have conducted a meta-analysis of all published and unpublished 'polychemotherapy' versus 'best supportive care' clinical trials in patients with non-resectable non-small cell lung cancer to assess the usefulness of polychemotherapy in this cancer. Seven studies with more than 700 patients were selected for our meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed a reduction in mortality during the first months under polychemotherapy. Although quite small, this increase in survival, coupled with a certain improved 'quality of life' suggests that polychemotherapy should be recommended for patients with non-resectable non-small cell lung cancer.