radiation + erlotinib (Oslo University Hospital)

This combination therapy consists of whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) administered concurrently with erlotinib, an orally active small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Erlotinib specifically targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), inhibiting its intracellular phosphorylation and downstream signaling pathways that promote tumor cell survival and proliferation. The combination is being investigated, notably by Oslo University Hospital in the Phase II RadEr trial, as a treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and brain metastases. The rationale behind this approach is that erlotinib may act as a radiosensitizer, enhancing the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation on tumor cells, while also providing targeted systemic therapy for EGFR-mutated clones within the brain.

Brand names

Tarceva

Other names

WBRT + erlotinibWhole brain radiation therapy + erlotinibRadiation plus erlotinib