Erlotinib
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor that can lead to a blockage of tumor cell growth. By blocking tyrokinase activity within the cell, erlotinib prevents signal transduction via HER1 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 1 [EGFR-1]), a growth factor that is important for cell growth.
IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.
Approved for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as maintenance therapy in patients who have unchanged disease status after 4 cycles of standard platinum-based first-line chemotherapy and in patients who have failed at least one prior chemotherapy regimen. Also approved for combination therapy of pancreatic cancer in combination with gemcitabine.
Pregnancy/nursing periodThis section has been translated automatically.
Application during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended (insufficient data available). In studies in rats and rabbits an increased embryo/foetal lethality was proven. In pregnant women, therapy should only be continued if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether erlotinib passes into breast milk. Mothers under erlotinib therapy should not breastfeed.
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
Acne medicamentosa is one of the most common ADRs (30-90% of cases). Also common are alopecia, nail changes, paronychia and rosacea.
PreparationsThis section has been translated automatically.
Tarceva
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Women of childbearing age should avoid pregnancy. Effective contraception must be used for the duration of the treatment and for at least 2 weeks after its termination.