Lung cancer (non-small-cell) - erlotinib

1. Guidance

1.1. Erlotinib is recommended, within its licensed indication, as an alternative to docetaxel as a second-line treatment option for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) only on the basis that it is provided by the manufacturer at an overall treatment cost (including administration, adverse events and monitoring costs) equal to that of docetaxel.

1.2. The decision to use erlotinib or docetaxel (as outlined in section 1.1) should be made after a discussion between the responsible clinician and the individual about the potential benefits and adverse effects of each treatment.

1.3. Erlotinib is not recommended for the second-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC in patients for whom docetaxel is unsuitable (that is, where there is intolerance of or contraindications to docetaxel) or for third-line treatment after docetaxel therapy.

1.4. People currently receiving treatment with erlotinib, but for whom treatment would not be recommended according to section 1.3, should have the option to continue treatment until they and their clinicians consider it appropriate to stop.