The aim of this retrospective translational biomarker study based on the prospective AIO-PK0104 trial thus was to determine the frequency of alterations in pERK, pAKT and p53 in erlotinib treated patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, as well as to investigate if there is a correlation of biomarker data with efficacy (progression-free survival, PFS and OS) and safety endpoints (skin rash) from the clinical data set. The gene discussed is EIF2AK3; the disease is familial pancreatic carcinoma.