In the case of HNSCC, the function of GPNMB is largely unknown, and although there have been recent reports that GPNMB overexpression is a factor associated with a poor prognosis (14) and that GPNMB promotes migration (15), there have been few reports of GPNMB in HNSCC. The gene discussed is GPNMB; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.