erlotinib (Tarceva)

Advice

following a full submission

erlotinib (Tarceva®) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland.

Indication under review: first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating mutations.

In patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR mutations, erlotinib was associated with significantly improved progression-free survival compared with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy regimens.  There are no mature overall survival data.

This SMC advice takes account of the benefits of a Patient Access Scheme (PAS) that improves the cost-effectiveness of erlotinib. This SMC advice is contingent upon the continuing availability of the PAS in NHS Scotland.