In early-stage patients, no statistically significant differences in disease-free survival were found with the addition of preoperative or adjuvant chemotherapy to surgery. In this trial, in which the treatment decision was made before surgery, more patients were able to receive preoperative than adjuvant treatment.

Patients homozygous for the ERCC1 118 C allele demonstrated a significantly better survival. ERCC1 SNP assessment could be an important component of tailored chemotherapy trials.