Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating tumors or tumor metastases in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an EGFR kinase inhibitor and docetaxel combination, with or without additional agents or treatments, such as other anti-cancer drugs or radiation therapy, wherein the EGFR kinase inhibitor is administered intermittently after administration of a dose of docetaxel. Multiple cycles of this treatment can be administered until an effective result is obtained. Other anti-cancer agents that, like docetaxel, induce M-phase arrest, can be also used in the practice of this invention, e.g. vinblastine, paclitaxel. A preferred example of an EGFR kinase inhibitor that can be used in practicing this invention is the compound erlotinib HCl (also known as TARCEVA™).