Erlotinib
|
Better Known as: Tarceva
- Marketed By: Genentech, OSI Pharmaceutials, & Roche
- Major Indication: Pancreatic & Small Cel Lung Cancer
- Drug Class: EGFR Inhibitor
- Date of FDA Approval (Expiration): 2005 (2020)
- 2009 Sales: $1.2 Billion
- Importance: It is one of the best selling and most effective treatments for several types of cancer. It is an improved version of Iressa.
- The following is a list of Pharmacokinetic Parameters. See: Pharmaceutical Drugs for more information
Mechanism Of Action
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors are overexpressed in many types of human carcinomas including lung, pancreatic, and breast cancer, and are often mutated. This overexpression leads to excessive activation of the anti-apoptotic Ras signalling cascade, resulting in uncontrolled DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Studies have revealed that the is responsible for activating this Ras signaling cascade. Upon binding ligands like Epidermal Growth Factor, EGFR dimerizes and autophosphorylates several tyrosine residues at its C-terminal domain. Upon phosphorylation, EGFR undergoes a conformational change, revealing an additional binding site capable of eliciting downstream activation of other signaling proteins.[1][2] Erlotinib inhibits the EGFR tyrosine kinase by located within the kinase domain. Residues _ to tightly bind the inhibitor. Unable to bind ATP, EGFR is incapable of autophosphorylating its C-terminal tyrosines, and the uncontrolled cell-proliferation signal is terminated.[3]
Pharmacokinetics
| EGFR Inhibitor Pharmacokinetics Comparison at Equivalent Dosages [4][5][6] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Parameter | Erlotinib (Tarceva) |
Gefitinib (Iressa) |
Lapatinib (Tykerb) |
| Tmax (hr) | 2.0 | 5.4 | 4 |
| Cmax (ng/ml) | 69.6 | 130 | 115 |
| Bioavailability (%) | 99 | 59 | Variable |
| Protein Binding (%) | 93 | 90 | 99 |
| T1/2 (hr) | 9.4 | 26.9 | 9.6 |
| AUC (ng/ml/hr) | 20577 | 3850 | 1429 |
| Typical Dosage (mg) | 150 | 250 | 100 |
| Metabolism | Hepatic - (CYP3A4) | Hepatic - (CYP3A4) | Hepatic - (CYP3A4) |
References
- ↑ Downward J, Parker P, Waterfield MD. Autophosphorylation sites on the epidermal growth factor receptor. Nature. 1984 Oct 4-10;311(5985):483-5. PMID:6090945
- ↑ Oda K, Matsuoka Y, Funahashi A, Kitano H. A comprehensive pathway map of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. Mol Syst Biol. 2005;1:2005.0010. Epub 2005 May 25. PMID:16729045 doi:10.1038/msb4100014
- ↑ Sordella R, Bell DW, Haber DA, Settleman J. Gefitinib-sensitizing EGFR mutations in lung cancer activate anti-apoptotic pathways. Science. 2004 Aug 20;305(5687):1163-7. Epub 2004 Jul 29. PMID:15284455 doi:10.1126/science.1101637
- ↑ Hamilton M, Wolf JL, Rusk J, Beard SE, Clark GM, Witt K, Cagnoni PJ. Effects of smoking on the pharmacokinetics of erlotinib. Clin Cancer Res. 2006 Apr 1;12(7 Pt 1):2166-71. PMID:16609030 doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-05-2235
- ↑ Bergman E, Forsell P, Persson EM, Knutson L, Dickinson P, Smith R, Swaisland H, Farmer MR, Cantarini MV, Lennernas H. Pharmacokinetics of gefitinib in humans: the influence of gastrointestinal factors. Int J Pharm. 2007 Aug 16;341(1-2):134-42. Epub 2007 Apr 6. PMID:17482782 doi:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2007.04.002
- ↑ D. Smith et al. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2009 April; 67(4): 421–426.