Mechanistically, our data revealed that miR-98-5p could directly target IGF2BP2. The interplay between IGF2BP2 and miR-98-5p is essential to drive the progression of HNSCC via the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) pathway signaling pathway. This evidence concerns the gene IGF2BP2 and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.