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Erlotinib, Pemetrexed
This combination uses erlotinib to inhibit EGFR signaling and pemetrexed to disrupt folate-dependent nucleotide synthesis, together targeting non-small cell lung cancer through dual pathways.
This combination uses erlotinib to inhibit EGFR signaling and pemetrexed to disrupt folate-dependent nucleotide synthesis, together targeting non-small cell lung cancer through dual pathways. Used for Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), likely EGFR-mutant or advanced disease.
At a glance
| Generic name | Erlotinib, Pemetrexed |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Hunan Province Tumor Hospital |
| Drug class | EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor + antifolate antimetabolite |
| Target | EGFR; thymidylate synthase and folate-dependent enzymes |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Erlotinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, preventing tumor cell proliferation in EGFR-mutant or EGFR-dependent cancers. Pemetrexed is an antifolate antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase and other folate-dependent enzymes, disrupting DNA and RNA synthesis. The combination leverages complementary mechanisms to enhance cytotoxic and targeted effects in lung cancer.
Approved indications
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), likely EGFR-mutant or advanced disease
Common side effects
- Rash/dermatitis
- Diarrhea
- Nausea/vomiting
- Fatigue
- Myelosuppression (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Interstitial lung disease
Key clinical trials
- 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)
- Maintenance Chemotherapy With or Without Local Consolidative Therapy in Treating Patients With Stage IV Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE2)
- Treatment Strategies and Survival Outcome for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer With Oncogenic Mutation (PHASE2)
- Brazilian Lung Immunotherapy Study (PHASE2)
- Maintenance Chemotherapy Versus Consolidative Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) Plus Maintenance Chemotherapy for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): A Randomized Phase II Trial (PHASE2)
- Radical Treatment of Synchronous Oligometastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NA)
- A Study of Bevacizumab in Combination With First- or Second-Line Therapy in Subjects With Treated Brain Metastases Due to Non-Squamous NSCLC (PASSPORT) (PHASE2)
- A Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Combination With Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy in Participants With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (MK-3475-021/KEYNOTE-021) (PHASE1, PHASE2)
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, Pemetrexed CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Erlotinib, Pemetrexed updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Hunan Province Tumor Hospital portfolio CI