Development of new technologies, such as microarray technology and next‐generation sequencing, has allowed for collection of large amounts of data to explore the key genes in the pathogenesis of HNSCC,7, 8 such as CDKN2A,9CDH1,10 and EGFR. 11 Therefore, the identification of oncogenic drivers and potential therapeutic targets is crucial for both early diagnosis and effective treatment for HNSCC. The gene discussed is CDKN2A; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.