Tarceva (Erlotinib) - Tabs

Tarceva (chemical name: erlotinib) is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer. It is a type of targeted therapy, which means that it is designed to specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Tarceva is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, among other types of cancer. It works by inhibiting the action of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is found on the surface of some cancer cells. By blocking the activity of this protein, Tarceva can help to slow the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
TARCEVA monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after failure of at least one prior chemotherapy regimen.

Results from two, multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized, Phase 3 trials conducted in first-line patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC showed no clinical benefit with the concurrent administration of TARCEVA with platinum-based chemotherapy [carboplatin and paclitaxel or gemcitabine and cisplatin] and its use is not recommended in that setting.

Pancreatic Cancer
TARCEVA in combination with gemcitabine is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer.