A phase I dose-escalation and bioavailability study of oral and intravenous formulations of erlotinib (Tarceva®, OSI-774) in patients with advanced solid tumors of epithelial origin

Purpose An intravenous (IV) erlotinib formulation has not been characterized in cancer patients but may be useful in those with gastrointestinal abnormalities that impact on the ability to take oral medication. This study sought to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of erlotinib administered as a single 30-min infusion in patients with advanced solid tumors and absolute bioavailability of erlotinib tablets at matched doses.