•Positively correlated with AKT1 and c‐Myc expression in HNSCC, and depletion led to activation of p38 MAPK signaling and Caspase 9 mediated apoptosis•Promoted cell proliferation and metastasis in LC patients via sponging miR‐210‐3p. Here, CASP9 is linked to laryngotracheoesophageal cleft.