Erlotinib Hydrochloride

• Erlotinib Hydrochloride is an oral medication classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
• It primarily targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to inhibit cancer cell growth.
• The drug is used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.
• Common side effects include rash, diarrhea, and fatigue, which should be monitored by a healthcare provider.
• Regular medical supervision is essential throughout treatment with Erlotinib Hydrochloride.

What is Erlotinib Hydrochloride?

Erlotinib Hydrochloride is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). It functions as a targeted therapy, specifically designed to block the activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein found on the surface of some cancer cells that promotes their growth and division. This mechanism makes it effective against cancers where EGFR is overactive or mutated.

The development of Erlotinib Hydrochloride represents a significant advancement in personalized cancer treatment, allowing for more precise targeting of cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells compared to traditional chemotherapy. Comprehensive Erlotinib Hydrochloride drug information indicates its specificity for EGFR, which is often mutated or overexpressed in certain malignancies, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation.

Uses and Mechanism of Action

What is Erlotinib Hydrochloride used for? Erlotinib Hydrochloride is primarily used in the treatment of specific types of cancer, particularly those characterized by mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. Its main applications include certain forms of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer. For NSCLC, it is often prescribed for patients with metastatic disease whose tumors have specific EGFR mutations, either as a first-line treatment or after other therapies have failed.

How does Erlotinib Hydrochloride work? This medication works by selectively inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFR. In many cancers, EGFR is overactive, sending continuous signals that tell cancer cells to grow and divide. By binding to the ATP-binding site of the EGFR, Erlotinib Hydrochloride prevents the receptor from activating, thereby blocking the downstream signaling pathways that drive cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. This targeted action helps to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

The specific conditions for which Erlotinib Hydrochloride is indicated include:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating EGFR mutations.
• Locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pancreatic cancer, in combination with gemcitabine.

Erlotinib Hydrochloride Side Effects

Erlotinib Hydrochloride side effects list includes a range of adverse reactions, some of which are common and generally manageable, while others can be more serious and require immediate medical attention. Patients undergoing treatment with this medication should be closely monitored by their healthcare team to detect and manage any side effects promptly. The severity and incidence of side effects can vary among individuals.

Common side effects often include:

• Rash, particularly acne-like skin rash on the face and upper body.
• Diarrhea, which can sometimes be severe.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Dry skin and itching.
• Hair thinning.

More serious, though less common, side effects can include interstitial lung disease, liver problems, gastrointestinal perforation, and severe skin reactions. Patients are advised to report any new or worsening symptoms to their doctor immediately. Regular blood tests and other assessments are typically performed to monitor for potential complications during the course of treatment with Erlotinib Hydrochloride.