Here, we describe the identification of PDK-1 as a HIF-1 target protein in HNSCC using a cDNA microarray in SCC-25 cells and show that PDK-1 not only has an effect on pyruvate and lactate metabolism but also that it is associated with a significant poor prognosis in patients with high PDK-1 expression. Here, HIF1A is linked to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.