Can erlotinib be taken long-term?

Erlotinib, as a targeted therapy, can usually be used for a long time, but whether to continue using it depends on the patient’s condition, treatment effect and tolerance. For patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who carry specific EGFR gene mutations, erlotinib may be used long-term to control disease progression if the drug can effectively inhibit tumor growth and the patient can tolerate the side effects of the drug. However, over time, some patients may develop drug resistance, causing the drug to become less effective. In this case, doctors may consider adjusting the treatment plan, such as trying other treatments or combination treatments, to continue to control the progression of the tumor.