18154 Background: C based doublets remain the cornerstone for first line treatment of advanced NSCLC but the role of sequential use of chemotherapy is still investigational. Aim of this study was to assess the activity and toxicity of 3 courses of C and D followed by 3 courses of single agent G, to reduce C exposure and sequentially administer 2 second generation cytotoxic drugs. The weekly D/C schedule was further investigated, to reduce toxicity. Methods: Chemotherapy naive stage IIIB or IV measurable NSCLC pts, aged 18–70 and PS 0–1, were stratified by stage (IIIB vs IV) and randomized, after local ethic committee approval and signed informed consent, to D and C (both 75 mg/m2 on day 1) q21 days for 3 cycles (Arm A), or to D and C (both 25 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15) q28 days for 3 (Arm B). Responding or stable pts of each arm, were treated with 3 additional cycles of G (1,200 mg/m2 on days 1, 8) q 21 days. Primary endpoint of the study was response rate (RECIST). Sample size was calculated of 42 pts per arm, considering worthy of further investigation a regimen with =14 objective responses. Results: Between May 2005 and October 2006, 88 pts were enrolled (Arm A/B: 43/45), with 69 evaluable so far (median age 63 yrs, median PS 0, and M/F ratio 53/16). Toxicity (NCI-CTG criteria) after 3 cycles, evaluable on 67 (32/35) pts, was mainly hematological, with grade 3/4 neutropenia in 17 pts (17/0), neutropenic fever in 1 (arm A), infections in 2 (arm B), grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia in 3 (1/2) and grade 3/4 anemia in 2 (arm A). Non-hematological grade 3/4 toxicity consisted of fatigue (4/1), diarrhea (4/1), pulmonary toxicity (1/4), pain (2/3), stomatitis (1/2) and alopecia (2/0). Fifty one pts (A/B: 29/22) are evaluable for response after 3 cycles, with 16 PR (55%) and 7NC in arm A and 1CR+6PR (32%) and 7NC in arm B. Objective responses after 6 cycles, available only in few pts so far, show 1CR+10PR in arm A and 2PR in arm B. At a median FU of 6.5 months, 60/85 pts are alive (33/27) and 25 are dead (8/17), with 3 pts, never treated, lost to f. up. Conclusions: From these preliminary results, CD combination appears active and manageable while the activity of G, cannot be defined yet. Data collection is continuing and analysis will be completed and mature, by the time of the meeting. [Table: see text]