Tyrosine kinase inhibitorFDA-approvedSecond-line

Erlotinib

How it works

Blocks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing.

Cancer types

Lung CancerEGFR-mutated

Efficacy

Studies show that patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer who received Erlotinib had a response rate of approximately 70%.

Side effects

Moderate

Side effects can be significant and may require dose adjustments or supportive medication, but the treatment is usually continued.

Evidence from research

StudyCancer typeStageEfficacy
Gemcitabine, Dasatinib, and Erlotinib in Treating Advanced Pancreatic CancerPancreatic Cancerphase-1Source →
New Study Compares Cancer Treatments for Lung Cancer PatientsLung Cancermeta-analysisOsimertinib resulted in significantly longer overall survival compared to erlotinib-based regimens (HR for OS vs. erlotinib: 1.59, 95% CI 1.09-2.31).Source →

This information is provided for general education only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.