Erlotinib (Tarceva) for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer
Review
Rocha-Lima, CM, Raez, LE. (2009). Erlotinib (Tarceva) for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer
. P and T, 34(10), 554-564.
Rocha-Lima, CM, Raez, LE. (2009). Erlotinib (Tarceva) for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer
. P and T, 34(10), 554-564.
Erlotinib (Tarceva) is a small-molecule, orally dosed, anticancer drug that inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor. Randomized, controlled clinical studies have demonstrated that erlotinib significantly improved survival in patients with previously treated non-small-cell lung cancer and, in combination with chemotherapy, in patients with untreated pancreatic cancer. In this article, we describe the clinical evidence and value of erlotinib as a therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer and discuss ongoing clinical studies to optimize its use in various settings and to identify appropriate patient populations.
