radiation + erlotinib

This is a combination therapy consisting of radiation (radiotherapy) and erlotinib, a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Erlotinib selectively inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase, blocking downstream signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage DNA in tumor cells, leading to cell death. The rationale for combining these modalities is that erlotinib may act as a radiosensitizer by inhibiting EGFR-mediated repair mechanisms in cancer cells, thereby enhancing the cytotoxic effects of radiation. This combination has been investigated primarily for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially in patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease who are not candidates for surgery[1][2][3][4][5]. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest synergistic antitumor activity but also highlight potential drug resistance mechanisms involving the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway[5].

Brand names

Tarceva

Other names

Erlotinib plus radiation therapyErlotinib and radiotherapyErlotinib hydrochloride + radiotherapy