Since FGF2 upregulation triggers the FGF2/FGFR-mediated autophagic process in stromal cells, which significantly contributes to the release of tumor-promoting factors, including IL-6, during HNSCC malignant progression [20], we wondered if a comparable autophagic mechanism could also contribute to KIN I progression and if FGFR2c could upstream be involved in it. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.