Of interest, the expression of p-STAT3, LC3, LAMP2 and p-Erk1/2 in most of the HNSCC cases (cluster 2) were distinct from normal mucosa (cluster 1), reflecting the significant differences in p-STAT3, LC3, LAMP2 and p-Erk1/2 staining in HNSCC (Figure 6C). This evidence concerns the gene STAT3 and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.