Identification of molecular subtypes and prognostic models for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas based on PFKFB4.

PFKFB4 is a glycolytic regulator whose role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains incompletely defined. Using TCGA and GEO datasets, we evaluated PFKFB4 expression, molecular subtypes, immune features, and prognosis, and developed an 11-gene prognostic model. PFKFB4 was upregulated in HNSCC and showed diagnostic performance (AUC=0.79). Two PFKFB4-related subtypes differed in survival and immune characteristics, with subtype B showing computational features suggestive of greater responsiveness to PD-1 blockade. The 11-gene model stratified survival risk, although long-term predictive performance varied across cohorts. PFKFB4-related signatures may provide prognostic and immunological information in HNSCC.