Head and neck cancer, which includes cancers of the mouth, larynx, and pharynx, is one of the six most common cancers worldwide. Common risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, betel nut chewing, and viruses such as HPV and EBV. Tumor cells often exhibit distinct metabolic characteristics compared with normal cells, highlighting a key area for potential intervention. By targeting these metabolic pathways, it is possible to influence tumor initiation and progression. Therefore, this review primarily describes the alterations in glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and the immune system in head and neck cancer patients and discusses potential treatment strategies to advance the understanding of head and neck cancer and the development of therapeutic drugs for it.

The processes of tumorigenesis and development are intricate, involving numerous genes and molecular pathways. Fusion genes, direct products of abnormal chromosomal rearrangements, are key factors in the formation of many types of tumors. In recent years, the advent of sequencing technology and bioinformatics has led to the discovery of more fusion genes associated with specific types of tumors. The objective of this review is to undertake a comprehensive examination of the discovery and functional mechanisms of fusion genes present in a range of cancers. This will include an analysis of their impact on the biological properties of tumor cells. This review will examine the most prevalent types of fusion genes observed in representative tumor types, including hematological tumors, lung cancer, soft tissue sarcomas, thyroid cancer, and prostate cancer. We provide an overview of the roles and clinical significance of fusion genes, as well as a summarization of the therapeutic strategies for fusion genes, including the application of targeted drugs and related studies. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the function of fusion genes in the development and treatment of tumors, providing guidance and insights for future research and clinical practice.