Erlotinib Versus Carboplatin/Vinorelbine in Elderly Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Inclusion Criteria: * Histologically or cytological proven NSCLC, stage lll b (with pleural effusion) or stage lV. * Tumour is locally advanced and not suitable for surgery and radiotherapy is not indicated. * Neither cytostatic nor immunological pre-treatment * Age \>70 years * At least one measurable lesion (RECIST criteria) that was not previously irradiated * ECOG Performance Status 0-1 * Life expectancy \> 3 month * Adequate bone marrow function: ANC \> 1.5 x 109/L, Platelets \> 100 x 109/L * Adequate liver function: Total Bilirubin \< 1.5 x ULN, GOT/GPT\< 3 x ULN (existent liver metastases \< 5 x ULN) * Adequate renal function:creatinine clearance \> 45 ml/min (calculated according to Cockroft-Gault) * Fertile men must agree to use an effective method of birth control while participating in this study * Signed written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled metastasis in the CNS * Acute, heavy uncontrolled infection * Any other serious concomitant disease or medical condition, which could interfere with participating in this study * Severe hypersensitivity to Erlotinib or any other component * Hypersensitivity to Carboplatin and/or other platinum compounds * Hypersensitivity to Vinorelbin or other Vinca-alkaloids * Patients with a history of other active malignancy in the past 5 years (with the exception of carcinoma in situ of the cervix, non melanomatous skin cancers or local prostate carcinoma that was surgically treated successfully) are excluded. * Participation in another clinical trial with any investigational drug at the same time or within 30 days prior to registration * Psychological, familial, social or geographical situations limiting the compliance with the study requirements