To evaluate the usefulness of chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer, objective response, length of remission and survival have been considered the main yardsticks. Subjective improvement and gain in Karnofsky performance status have attracted very little attention. Thirty-one patients with stages III and IV underwent combination chemotherapy with high-dose cisplatin, and were assessed with categorical scales and 100 mm visual analogue scales used by patients themselves to report on several symptoms of their illness. After chemotherapy 17 of 19 patients (89%) gained weight; 20 presented anorexia, 10 of those (50%) improved; 15 had pain, 7 of those (47%) were alleviated; cough was reported in 22, in 10 (45%) it was ameliorated; hemoptysis disappeared in 10 of 11 patients (91%); of the 9 patients who had dyspnea, 7 improved (78%); and astenia was attenuated in 8 of 16 patients (50%). Quality of life was reported improved in 75% of those patients who had considered themselves seriously affected prior to the treatment. When compared with Karnofsky performance status, no relationship was found (r = 0.31). It is concluded that, apart from the objective response achieved, a significant proportion of patients did benefit from treatment as demonstrated by a marked relief of symptoms.