Because rapalogues down-regulate VEGFR-3 expression in lymphatic endothelial cells and some HNSCC cells it suggests mTOR inhibitors can suppress this vicious cycle of autocrine growth stimulation to decrease the number of lymph node metastasis, one of the most important factors contributing to poor head and neck cancer prognosis and survival. Here, FLT4 is linked to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.