erlotinib + temozolomide

Erlotinib and temozolomide were investigated as adjuncts to whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with 1-3 brain metastases. Erlotinib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that selectively targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), blocking signaling pathways essential for tumor cell proliferation and survival. Temozolomide is an oral alkylating chemotherapy agent that delivers a methyl group to DNA, primarily at the O6 position of guanine, leading to DNA strand breaks and apoptosis. In the Phase III RTOG 0320 trial (conducted at centers including Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center), patients were randomized to receive WBRT and SRS alone or in combination with either erlotinib or temozolomide as separate experimental arms. The study concluded that the addition of these systemic agents did not improve overall survival compared to radiation alone and was associated with increased toxicity, leading to the termination of this specific therapeutic approach for this indication.

Other names

erlotinib and temozolomideRTOG 0320 regimenRTOG0320 regimenRTOG-0320 regimen