Skip the main banner if you do not want to read it as the next section.
The best cancer information for everyone.
Cancerbackup has merged with Macmillan. Together we can provide a wealth of high quality information about cancer.
Skip the secondary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Do you want to meet other people with cancer? Join our What Now? community >> |
Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the location trail if you do not want to read it as the next section.
This information is about erlotinib, which is commonly known as Tarceva®. It can be used to treat people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Erlotinib may also be used to treat other types of cancer as part of a research trial.
Trials are in progress to find out if Tarceva is best given alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Tarceva belongs to a group of cancer drugs known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. It is a type of drug called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It can be used to treat people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) gives advice on which new drugs and treatments should be available on the NHS. NICE has approved Tarceva as an alternative treatment to the chemotherapy drug docetaxel for people with non-small cell lung cancer whose cancer has come back after, or not responded to, at least one course of chemotherapy. Tarceva has been approved for use in Scotland by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), an organisation similar to NICE.
Tarceva is also being studied as a possible treatment for many other cancers, including pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and cancer of the head and neck. These studies are being carried out on cancers that have come back after initial treatment (recurrent), or have spread to other parts of the body (advanced or metastatic).
Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are used to try to destroy some types of cancer cells while causing little harm to normal cells.
Structures called epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) sit on the surface of many types of cancer cells. Epidermal growth factor is a protein present in the body. The receptors allow epidermal growth factor to attach to them. When these growth factors bind to the receptors, a protein called tyrosine kinase (TK) triggers chemical signals to make the cell grow and divide.
Tarceva attaches itself to the tyrosine kinase protein and prevents the chemical signals from being produced. This may stop the cell dividing. Tarceva therefore may be able to stop the cancer cells from growing. It works in a different way from both chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.
Tests may be done to check the level of EGFR. These will tell if you are likely to benefit from Tarceva. Testing can be done at the same time as diagnosis, or samples of cancer cells from previous biopsies or surgery may be used.
Tarceva is a tablet.
It is taken as a single dose each morning with a large glass of water, at least one hour before (or two hours after) a meal.
Each person's reaction to an anti-cancer drug is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. If you do notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed here, please discuss them with your doctor.
The side effects of Tarceva are generally mild and some of these can be reduced with medicines. As it is still a new drug, it is too early to know everything about the possible side effects.
A rash Many people develop a rash, particularly on their face, neck, chest, back and arms. This generally starts about 8–10 days after starting treatment but usually improves after a few weeks. In most people the rash is mild. However, it is important to let your doctor know if you develop a rash.
Diarrhoea This is also quite common but, again, it is usually mild and can be controlled easily with medicine. Tell your doctor if it is severe or if it continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea. Let your doctor know if you develop any black 'tarry' looking stools.
Tiredness (fatigue) and a general feeling of weakness Fatigue is a less common side effect but is not often severe. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) It is quite common to feel sick but this is usually very easy to control. Some people will actually be sick. Your doctor can prescribe very effective antisickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If the sickness is not controlled, or if it continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective.
Eye problems Some people devlop sore, red eyes (conjunctivitis) or dry eyes while they are being treated with Tarceva. Your doctor can prescribe eye drops to help with this.
Sore mouth In a minority of people Tarceva can cause a sore mouth. Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your teeth regularly can help. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.
Some other medicines can be harmful to take when you are having tarceva. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.
Contraception It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking tarceva, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. It is important to discuss this with your doctor.
Smoking may make tarceva work less effectively.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
For further references, please see the general bibliography.
Macmillan Cancer Support is a national charity and we rely on voluntary donations. To donate, please call Supporter Services on 020 7840 4900. Thank you.