What types of lung cancer is tarceva (erlotinib) used for?

NSCLC(EGFR mutation): Lung cancer is broadly divided into two types; (1) non-small cell lung cancer (nsclc) & (2) small cell lung cancer. When biopsy shows nsclc, pathologists do further testing to determine specific mutations in cancer cells. If the testing shows that cancer cells express epidermal growth factor receptor (egfr), tarceva (erlotinib) maybe indicated for targeted therapy.

EGFR mutated : This is a drug that works best for non squamous cell cancers. It is best used for tumors that have a mutation in the egfr gene. Tumor samples are tested for this mutation.

Stage 4 NSCLC: Tarceva (erlotinib) is approved in the united sates for the treatment of patients with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer after they have failed chemotherapy . However, it works best in patients that have what is known as "sensitizing egfr mutations". All the best, ariel.