Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It functions by blocking the kinase activity of a protein referred to as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). It is involved in cell growth and survival.
EGFR is found on the surface of normal and cancerous cells. Standard versions of EGFR protein can contribute to the development of cancer. Mutations may occur in the EGFR protein enabling growth of cancer cells division and faster spreading.
Erlotinib is prescribed for treating pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is only used to treat cases of NSCLC that have specific mutations in their EGRF protein.
In the year 2004, Erlotinib was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
