In the TCGA database for HNSCC, the spearman correlation analysis revealed the strongest positive correlation between Slug and IGF2BP2 in 502 HNSCC tissue samples compared to Snail, ZEB1, and Twist, indicating a potential positive regulatory mechanism between IGF2BP2 and Slug in HNSCC (Fig. 6A). This evidence concerns the gene SNAI2 and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.