erlotinib + nivolumab

Erlotinib + nivolumab is a combination therapy that pairs an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (erlotinib) with a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor (nivolumab). This combination was studied in clinical trials for patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Erlotinib works by targeting and inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), blocking cell signaling pathways that promote cancer cell growth and survival. Nivolumab works by binding to the PD-1 receptor on T-cells, preventing PD-L1 and PD-L2 from inhibiting T-cell action, thus restoring the patient's tumor-specific T-cell immune response[3][5]. The combination was evaluated in clinical trials, including the CheckMate 012 study, where patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC received nivolumab (3 mg/kg every 2 weeks) plus erlotinib (150 mg daily) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity[1][3]. The treatment showed durable responses in some patients with EGFR-mutant, TKI-treated NSCLC[1].

Brand names

Opdivo (nivolumab)Tarceva (erlotinib)

Other names

nivolumaberlotinib