Figure 4.

Predictive Biomarkers for Targeted and Selective Therapies. Signaling of EGFR-family receptors is characterized by homo-/heterodimerization and subsequent activation of the targetable downstream signaling pathways RAS/RAF and PI3K/AKT. Present therapeutic approaches focus on the inhibition of ligand-dependent activation, dimerization and receptor tyrosine kinases. Immunoconjugates, e.g., T-DM1, specifically deliver chemotherapeutic agents by the process of receptor internalization. As described in the text in more detail, ongoing efforts investigate the effectiveness of combined or dual approaches.