The value of erlotinib related target molecules in kidney renal cell carcinoma via bioinformatics analysis

•Age, grade, and risk score were independent risk factors influencing poor prognosis of KIRC patients.•The expression levels of COL11A1, EMCN, GLYATL1, HHLA2, IGFN1 LIPA, LRRC19, PANK1, PRAME, and TNFSF14 were associated with KIRC prognosis and immune cell infiltration.•Erlotinib was a targeted therapy for advanced cancer patients that demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits during cancer treatment.•The level of immune cell infiltration could affect occurrence and development of malignant tumors.•Erlotinib was a critical component of the treatment regimen for patients with locally advanced metastatic or metastatic renal cell carcinoma.