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Erlotinib (Tarceva)
Neha Vapiwala, MD
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: August 28, 2005
Other Name: Tarceva
What is it used for?
Erlotinib is FDA-approved as a single agent treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose cancer has progressed despite other treatments, including at least one prior chemotherapy regimen.
How does it work?
Erlotinib has a similar mechanism of action as gefitinib. It is a small molecule drug that inhibits tyrosine kinase, an enzyme associated with the human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). By inhibiting this enzyme, erlotinib prevents EGFRs from stimulating the uncontrolled growth of cells that contributes to tumor growth