Using a carefully validated BCL-2 antibody (Supplementary Fig. S3), we convincingly demonstrate an overall low expression of BCL-2 (Figs. 1 and 2) and conclude that the most successful BH3 mimetic, venetoclax (ABT-199, currently used in ~146 clinical trials) is highly unlikely to be effective for the majority of SCCHN patients. This evidence concerns the gene BCL2 and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.