The Cox proportional hazard models showed that increased numbers of cells with GLUT1 and HIF1A protein expression were positive prognostic markers for overall and disease-specific survival in patients independent of HPV tumor status.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The study examined HNSCC samples and found that elevated ASPH and hypoxia marker proteins, typically associated with poor prognosis, may actually indicate active HPV infection, the strongest prognostic factor in HNSCC patients. The gene discussed is HIF1A; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.