Erlotinib in Non-small-cell Lung Cancer: a Review of the Clinical and Economic Evidence

Lung cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the world and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite considerable investment into drug development, to date, the survival gains have been relatively modest and treatment costs are often high, leading to concerns regarding the value of the existing therapeutic options. Erlotinib, an oral EGF-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been evaluated in multiple trials and patient populations in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, and is currently approved for use after failure of first- or second-line treatment. Recently reported clinical trial data suggest that the indication for erlotinib may be expanded into the first-line maintenance setting after chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab. However, the monthly treatment cost for erlotinib is high, raising concerns regarding its value, especially in combination with other, often expensive, treatments. This article reviews the clinical and economic evidence on the use of erlotinib in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.