OBJECTIVES: Few data are available about the use of erlotinib in real life in France for patients with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in an selected population. METHODS: An epidemiological multicenter observational study was built in 35 french centers. The study was retrospective (2006 to 2008) and a cohort was created with a follow-up period of one year. The main objective was to describe practices, use of erlotinib, response and adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 533 patients (333 males, 200 females) have been included. The histological types were as follows: 330 (62.5%) adenocarcinoma, 107 (20.2%) squamous cell carcinoma, 60 (11.3%) large cell carcinoma, 36 (3.8%) undifferentiated carcinoma. In terms of practice, 502 patients had a first line chemotherapy, (81% a doublet, 11% three drugs, 8.2% one drug). Among them, 61.2% received a second line of treatment (83.4% one drug, 15.7% two drugs and 0.9% three drugs), 17.6% received a third line, (91% one drug). Erlotinib was prescribed a first line treatment (n = 30 ; 5.6%), second line treatment (n = 190 ; 35.6%), third line (255 ; 47.8%), fourth line and more (n = 50 ; 9.3%) and as a maintenance therapy (n = 9 ; 1.7%) ; the stage at treatment initiation were stage I-II (1.2%), IIIA (3.8%), IIIB (5.3%), IV (89.7%). For the first line, the median duration of erlotinib treatment was 123 days (d) in second line 98 d, in third line 77 d, in maintenance 127 d. Global response rate was 20% with a maximum of 32% in first line and 33% in maintenance. Grade III adverse events occurred in 11.5% of patients and grade IV in 3.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Erlotinib was widely used in France in 2d and 3d line treatment with a good response rate and tolerance. Adenocarcinoma is the main indication.