Tarceva (erlotinib), a new ORAL treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

January 2005

You'll soon see patients on Tarceva (erlotinib), a new ORAL treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

It's related to gefitinib (Iressa). These two drugs are intended to target growth factors that stimulate tumor growth.

The difference is that Tarceva extends life two months longer than placebo. Iressa is unable to show any improved survival.

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Table of Contents

raising questions about FDA's drug approval and surveillance process
Cardiology Reps will be saying that amlodipine (Norvasc) reduces the risk of cardiovascular events
Cardiology BiDil will be the first drug approved specifically for African Americans
Diabetes Reps will be touting evidence that suggests carvedilol is better than metoprolol for diabetes patients
Diabetes & Endocrinology whether to treat patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
Fibromyalgia what really works for fibromyalgia
Supplements DHEA for weight loss
Psychiatry Light therapy is often as effective as antidepressants for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Psychiatry Ritalin, Adderall, and other ADHD drugs to enhance test scores
Women's Health whether testosterone is appropriate for treating sexual dysfunction in women
Women's Health the risk of bone loss in women using Depo-Provera
Multiple Sclerosis Tysabri (tie-SAB-ree), the latest treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS)
Hematology & Oncology Tarceva (erlotinib), a new ORAL treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Hematology & Oncology More women with EARLY breast cancer will be treated with an aromatase inhibitor
Antiarrhythmics flecainide (Tambocor) or propafenone (Rythmol) as needed for atrial fibrillation
Practice End of year is a good time to reflect on trustworthy drug information that is relevant to practice.