Nonetheless, given the purported magnitude of the benefit in the second line trial, one would expect to see at least a hint of benefit in the front-line trial if the signal is "real".
I agree completely. It is always possible, but unlikely IMO. 1st line is with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Docetaxel is semi-sythetic analogue of paclitaxel, shouldn't make dramatic difference. There was no difference in PFS in 1st line, not even numerical one like in 2nd line.