There are three main findings in this study concerning hPRL/PRLR and SCCHNs: (1) PRLR is widely expressed in SCCHNs; (2) high level of PRLR expression is an independent negative prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with SCCHNs; and (3) hPRL acts as a growth factor for PRLR-expressing SCCHN cancer cells. The gene discussed is PRLR; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.