Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
This information is about erlotinib, which is also known as Tarceva®. It can be used to treat people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)| and people with pancreatic cancer|. It may also be used to treat other types of cancer as part of a research trial|.
Erlotinib belongs to a group of cancer drugs called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. It's a type of drug called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor|.
Some cancer cells have particular proteins called growth factor receptors on their surfaces. Stimulation of these receptors activates a protein inside the cell called a tyrosine kinase enzyme. This can prompt the cancer cell to grow.
Specific drugs have been developed to stop (inhibit) the enzyme, and to stop the growth factor receptor from activating the cancer cell. These drugs are known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
A type of growth factor receptor known as epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) are found on several different types of cancer cells. Erlotinib targets these receptors and stops the action of EGFR.
It targets the inside part of the receptor and so prevents the tyrosine kinase enzyme from being activated, which may then stop the cell dividing. Erlotinib may therefore stop the cancer cells from growing.
Tests may be done to check the level of EGFR. These will tell if you are likely to benefit from erlotinib. Testing can be done at the same time as diagnosis, or samples of cancer cells from previous biopsies or surgery may be used.
Erlotinib is used to treat some people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to the surrounding tissues or other parts of the body. It may also be used in combination with the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine| to treat people with pancreatic cancer that has spread beyond the pancreas (metastatic cancer).
Erlotinib is also being studied as a possible treatment for many other cancers, including ovarian cancer| and head and neck cancer|.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE|) currently gives advice on which new drugs and treatments should be available on the NHS in England and Wales. The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC|) is an organisation similar to NICE for the NHS in Scotland.
NICE and the SMC have approved erlotinib as an alternative treatment to the chemotherapy drug docetaxel|. This has been approved for people with non-small cell lung cancer whose cancer has come back after, or not responded to, at least one course of chemotherapy.
NICE hasn't issued guidance on the use of erlotinib as a treatment for pancreatic cancer in the NHS in England and Wales. The SMC has advised that erlotinib, in combination with gemcitabine, is not recommended for the treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer within NHS Scotland.
We can give you more information on what you can do if a treatment isn't available|.
Erlotinib is a cream-coloured tablet. It's taken as a single dose each morning with a large glass of water, at least one hour before a meal or two hours afterwards.
Each person’s reaction to a drug is different. Some people have very few side effects while others may experience more.
The side effects of erlotinib are generally mild and some of them can be reduced with medicines. As it's still a new drug, it's too early to know everything about the possible side effects. If you notice any effects that aren't listed here, discuss them with your doctor.
An acne-like rash that mainly affects the head, chest and back is the most common side effect of erlotinib. This usually develops during the first 2-3 weeks of treatment and goes away once treatment ends.
Your skin may also become dry and itchy or feel tender and peel. Some people find that the nails on their hands or feet become red, sore and brittle.
Tell your doctor if you develop these side effects, as they can prescribe medicines to help.
Taking the following steps may help to reduce the severity of skin changes, although they can’t prevent them altogether:
Let your doctor know as soon as possible if you develop skin or nail changes so they can prescribe treatment to help.
This is common but usually mild, and can generally be controlled with medicine. Tell your doctor if it's severe or continues. It's important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea|. Let your doctor know if you develop any black, tarry-looking stools.
Balancing periods of rest with gentle exercise, such as short walks, may help fatigue|.
It is quite common to feel sick| but this can usually be controlled. Some people will actually be sick (vomit). Your doctor can prescribe anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent or greatly reduce this. 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.
Some people develop sore, red eyes (conjunctivitis) or dry eyes while they are being treated with erlotinib. Your doctor can prescribe eye drops to help with this. Let your doctor know if you notice any changes to your eyes.
Your eyelashes may grow longer and more curly than usual. Men may have less beard growth. You may notice that your head and body hair is finer, curlier or more brittle. Some people have hair thinning or hair loss|. If this happens, it usually develops gradually. All of these changes are usually temporary and improve once treatment is over.
Your mouth may become sore| and you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids, and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush, can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as they can prescribe mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear mouth infections.
If you don't feel like eating| it may be helpful to speak to a dietitian at the hospital.
This is an uncommon side effect that affects fewer than 1 in 100 people taking erlotinib. If you suddenly become breathless| or your breathing worsens, possibly with a cough or high temperature, tell your doctor immediately. It may mean you have an inflammation of the lungs called interstitial lung disease.
Some other medicines can be harmful to take when you are having erlotinib. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies| and herbal drugs or vitamins.
It's not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while having erlotinib, as it may harm the developing baby. It’s important to use effective contraception while having this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. You can discuss this with your doctor.
It’s not known whether biological therapies can be present in semen or vaginal fluids. To protect your partner it’s safest to either avoid sex or use a barrier form of contraception for about 48 hours after treatment.
This may make erlotinib less effective.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.