First-line or maintenance therapy for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 substitution mutations, and advanced pancreatic cancer.
First-line or maintenance therapy for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 substitution mutations, and advanced pancreatic cancer.
Acts as a human epidermal growth factor receptor type 1/epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1/EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It binds reversibly to the intracellular kinase domain, blocking down-stream signaling pathways that drive tumor cell survival and proliferation.
Severe acneiform skin rash, severe diarrhea, interstitial lung disease (ILD), fatigue, anorexia, and dry skin.
Patients must test positive for activating Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations, such as exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations.
EGFR is heavily expressed in normal skin cells. Inhibiting this receptor causes localized inflammation, drying, and acneiform eruptions across the face and upper torso.
Take it once daily on an empty stomach?at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after consuming any food or snacks.
Yes, cigarette smoking induces the CYP1A2 enzyme, which significantly increases the clearance of Erlotinib and reduces its therapeutic efficacy. Patients are strongly advised to stop smoking.
ILD is a rare but life-threatening inflammation of lung tissue. Any sudden onset of cough, fever, or breathing difficulty requires immediate evaluation and pausing the drug.
At the first sign of loose stools, start anti-diarrheal medication (like loperamide) and increase oral fluid intake to prevent severe dehydration.
No. PPIs reduce stomach acidity, which severely lowers the solubility and absorption of Erlotinib. Use short-acting antacids separated by several hours instead.
Clinical observations suggest that patients who develop a more pronounced acneiform rash often experience a better therapeutic response to Erlotinib.
Yes, it can cause severe dry eyes, abnormal eyelash growth (trichiasis), or corneal inflammation, which may require lubricating eye drops.
Serum transaminases (ALT/AST) and bilirubin must be checked periodically, and the dose reduced or paused if signs of drug-induced hepatotoxicity appear.