Erlotinib (Tarceva)
Also known as Erlotinib hydrochloride.
General information
Class/mechanism: Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Inhibits the intracellular phosphorylation activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase; may also have activity against other tyrosine kinase receptors. Exact mechanism of antitumor action is not fully characterized.[1][2][3]
Route: PO
Extravasation: n/a
For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.[1]
Diseases for which it is used
- Cancer of unknown primary
- Esophageal cancer
- Hepatobiliary cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Renal cancer
Patient drug information
- Erlotinib (Tarceva) patient drug information (Chemocare)[4]
- Brief patient counseling information can be found on page 24 of the Erlotinib (Tarceva) package insert[1]
- Erlotinib (Tarceva) patient drug information (UpToDate)[5]