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Erlotinib chlorhydrate
Erlotinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
Erlotinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Used for Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations, Pancreatic cancer (in combination with gemcitabine).
At a glance
| Generic name | Erlotinib chlorhydrate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Erlotinib clorhidrate |
| Sponsor | Grupo de Investigación Clínica en Oncología Radioterapia |
| Drug class | EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor |
| Target | EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Erlotinib selectively inhibits the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR, preventing autophosphorylation and downstream signaling through the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. This leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in EGFR-dependent tumors. It is particularly effective in non-small cell lung cancers harboring activating EGFR mutations.
Approved indications
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations
- Pancreatic cancer (in combination with gemcitabine)
Common side effects
- Rash/dermatitis
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Interstitial lung disease
Key clinical trials
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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