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erlotinib HCl
Erlotinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), preventing cancer cell proliferation and survival.
Erlotinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), preventing cancer cell proliferation and survival. Used for Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including EGFR-mutant and wild-type disease, Pancreatic cancer (metastatic, in combination with gemcitabine).
At a glance
| Generic name | erlotinib HCl |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Tarceva |
| Sponsor | Genentech, Inc. |
| 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, a receptor frequently overexpressed or mutated in various cancers. By blocking EGFR autophosphorylation, it disrupts downstream signaling pathways (MAPK and PI3K/AKT) that drive cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. This mechanism is particularly effective in tumors with EGFR mutations or high EGFR expression.
Approved indications
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including EGFR-mutant and wild-type disease
- Pancreatic cancer (metastatic, in combination with gemcitabine)
Common side effects
- Rash/dermatitis
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Interstitial lung disease
Key clinical trials
- Erlotinib Hydrochloride and Irinotecan Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors (PHASE1)
- Drug Repurposing in Thyroid Carcinoma: a Feasibility Trial (PHASE1)
- Canadian Profiling and Targeted Agent Utilization Trial (CAPTUR) (PHASE2)
- Gemcitabine Hydrochloride, Dasatinib, and Erlotinib Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Pancreatic Cancer That Is Metastatic or Cannot Be Removed by Surgery (PHASE1)
- Testing of Bevacizumab, Erlotinib, and Atezolizumab in Combination for Advanced-Stage Kidney Cancer (PHASE2)
- GDC-0449 and Erlotinib Hydrochloride With or Without Gemcitabine Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer or Solid Tumors That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery (PHASE1)
- Erlotinib Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Stage IB-IIIA Non-small Cell Lung Cancer That Has Been Completely Removed by Surgery (An ALCHEMIST Treatment Trial) (PHASE3)
- Genetic Testing in Screening Patients With Stage IB-IIIA Non-small Cell Lung Cancer That Has Been or Will Be Removed by Surgery (The ALCHEMIST Screening Trial) (NA)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- erlotinib HCl CI brief — competitive landscape report
- erlotinib HCl updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Genentech, Inc. portfolio CI