Here’s a high-yield comparison table of EGFR TKIs tailored for oncology pharmacists, perfect for BPS exam prep:
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| Feature | Erlotinib | Gefitinib | Afatinib | Osimertinib |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generation | 1st | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
| Mechanism | Reversible EGFR TKI | Reversible EGFR TKI | Irreversible EGFR, HER2, HER4 inhibitor | Irreversible EGFR TKI, including T790M mutation |
| Indication | EGFR+ NSCLC (exon 19 del / exon 21 L858R) | EGFR+ NSCLC (exon 19 del / exon 21 L858R) | EGFR+ NSCLC (exon 19 del / exon 21 L858R) | EGFR T790M+ NSCLC (resistant to 1st/2nd-gen TKIs); also 1st-line EGFR+ NSCLC |
| Dose | 150 mg PO daily | 250 mg PO daily | 40 mg PO daily (adjustable) | 80 mg PO daily |
| Key Toxicities | Rash, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity, interstitial lung disease (ILD) | Rash, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity, ILD | Rash, diarrhea, stomatitis, paronychia, fatigue, hepatotoxicity, ILD | Rash, diarrhea, QT prolongation, ILD, cardiotoxicity |
| Metabolism / Interactions | CYP3A4 | CYP3A4 | CYP3A4 | CYP3A4 / P-gp substrate |
| Monitoring / Pharmacist Considerations | LFTs, skin, diarrhea, pulmonary symptoms | Same as Erlotinib | LFTs, renal function, diarrhea, skin care, adherence | LFTs, ECG, electrolytes, renal function, skin, pulmonary symptoms |
| Clinical Pearls | Oral therapy; rash may indicate response | Oral therapy; first-gen reversible TKI | Broader HER inhibition; irreversible binding; often chosen for better PFS in some EGFR+ NSCLC | Active against T790M resistance mutation; good CNS penetration; irreversible |
Quick Takeaways for BPS Exam
- First-gen TKIs (erlotinib/gefitinib): reversible EGFR inhibition; standard first-line EGFR+ NSCLC.
- Second-gen TKI (afatinib): irreversible, broader HER family inhibition; may have more GI/skin toxicity.
- Third-gen TKI (osimertinib): targets T790M resistance mutation, better CNS penetration, fewer rash/diarrhea side effects.
- Pharmacist role: dose adjustments for toxicity, monitor LFTs, skin, diarrhea, ILD, and drug-drug interactions (CYP3A4).
- Adherence counseling is critical as these are oral targeted therapies.

