An oral targeted therapy used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Erlotinib tablet is a kinase inhibitor indicated for: The treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test receiving first-line, maintenance, or second or greater line treatment after progression following at least one prior chemotherapy regimen ( 1.1 ) First-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, unrespectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer, in combination with gemcitabine. ( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use: Safety and efficacy of erlotinib tablets have not been established in patients with NSCLC whose tumors have other EGFR mutations. ( 1.1 ) Erlotinib tablets are not recommended for use in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy. ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Erlotinib Tablets was ind…
12.1 Mechanism of Action Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed on the cell surface of both normal and cancer cells. In some tumor cells signaling through this receptor plays a role in tumor cell survival and proliferation irrespective of EGFR mutation status. Erlotinib reversibly inhibits the kinase activity of EGFR, preventing autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues associated with the receptor and thereby inhibiting further downstream signaling. Erlotinib binding affinity for EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 (L858R) mutations is higher than its affinity for the wild type receptor. Erlotinib inhibition of other tyrosine kinase receptors has not been fully characterized.
Sources: drug label, approval and manufacturer data from the U.S. FDA via the openFDA API; shortage status from the FDA Drug Shortage Database. This page is a plain-English summary for general information and is not medical advice. It is not exhaustive and may not reflect the latest label — always consult the official prescribing information and your clinician or pharmacist. Brand availability, indications and approvals differ between the US, EU/Ireland (EMA/HPRA) and other regions.