These include KSR1 (KSR1), CRAF/RAF1 (RAF1), ERK (MAPK1) and RSK1 (RPS6KA1), which are involved in the ERK signaling pathway, suggesting that interfering with ERK activation renders HNSCC cells more sensitive to mTOR inhibition. This evidence concerns the gene MAPK1 and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.