Tyrosine kinase inhibitorFDA-approvedFirst-line
Tarceva
Generic name: erlotinib
How it works
Blocks the activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase, which is involved in cancer cell growth and survival.
Cancer types
Lung Cancer— EGFR-mutated
Efficacy
Clinical trials demonstrated that patients with EGFR-mutated lung cancer treated with Tarceva experienced a response rate of approximately 50% and a median progression-free survival of around 10 months.
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
| Study | Cancer type | Stage | Efficacy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gemcitabine, Dasatinib, and Erlotinib in Treating Advanced Pancreatic Cancer | Pancreatic Cancer | phase-1 | — | Source → |
| New Study Compares Cancer Treatments for Lung Cancer Patients | Lung Cancer | meta-analysis | Osimertinib 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.