OBJECTIVES: To compare costs of intravenous versus intravenous-oral application of cisplatin-etoposide (PE) and cisplatin-vinorelbine (PN) recommended in NSCLC treatment in Poland. METHODS: The data of medical resources consumed were collected retrospectively in three major oncology centers in Poland; among patients with advanced NSCLC (stage IIIb and IV), treated with intravenous regimen of PE or PN. The payers perspective were used and direct medical cost were assessed. All medical care consumption in intravenous regimen were estimated from the patients' medical chart and the information of costs were derived from the medical valuation system used by National Fund of Health in 2005. All cost were in polish zloty (in 2005: 1$=3.35 zloty). The resources consumption in combined intravenous-oral regimen was simulated basing on therapeutic guidelines of oral regimen of analyzed chemotherapy. We assume that patient was given intravenous therapy on 1st day (in both schemes) and oral dose instead of intravenous the following days. Such combination let to reduce the number of hospitalizations due to cytostatics application. RESULTS: The total costs of PN scheme in intravenous and combined regimen for one patient was the same and amount to 23 416 zl, which means the savings due to hospitalization were compensate by increased dose of oral vinorelbine. Despite the increased dose of oral etoposide the 1228zl difference between intravenous and combined application was found in PE scheme. The total costs of treating NSCLC using intravenous and combined PE regimen were 12 660zl and 11 432zl respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis showed that both combinations of intravenous-oral chemotherapy could be consider as alternatives for intravenous regimens.