In addition to amplifications in multiple AKT isoforms in pancreatic, ovarian and head and neck cancers (Engelman et al, 2006), a somatic missense mutation in the PH domain of AKT1 (E17K) was identified in breast, colorectal, ovarian and lung cancers and in melanoma (Carpten et al, 2007; Bleeker et al, 2008; Davies et al, 2008; Malanga et al, 2008). Here, AKT1 is linked to head and neck cancer.