The cases of 36 patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancers and similar anatomoclinical features were retrospectively analysed on the basis of treatment received (21 combined chemical and radiation therapy, 15 chemotherapy). The results showed 7 PR (partial response) 5 S (stable) 9 P (progression) in the group given combined chemical and radiation treatment; 2 PR, 7 S and 6 P in the group given chemotherapy alone. The patients with the best Performance Status produced the best PR figures (6/9) and the longest mean survival (10 months). Analysis of 9 patients in each group indicated that the length of survival is not affected by the timing or doses of drug treatment. Altogether the data support the view that no treatment has any influence on the prognosis for inoperable lung cancers.