erlotinib + capecitabine

Erlotinib is an oral small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), blocking its kinase activity and thereby inhibiting downstream signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival. It is primarily used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with specific EGFR mutations and advanced pancreatic cancer[1][4][6]. Capecitabine is an orally administered prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor. After absorption, it is converted into 5-FU preferentially within tumor cells by enzymatic processes. The active metabolites of 5-FU inhibit thymidylate synthase and interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis, leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells[2]. Capecitabine is indicated for breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers including pancreatic cancer, and has been studied in combination with erlotinib for gemcitabine-refractory pancreatic cancer as well as advanced NSCLC[3][5][8].

Brand names

XelodaTarceva

Other names

Erlotinib and capecitabine