Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) a member of the heat shock proteins (HSPs) family, is an adenosine triphosphate dependent molecular chaperone protein, which integrates multiple oncogenic pathways. Clinically, encouraging results have been demonstrated in melanoma, acute myeloid leukemia, castrate refractory prostate cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma and multiple myeloma using the first generation Hsp90 inhibitors. Hsp90 as the target of anticancer activity of geldanamycin sparked much interest in the inhibition of Hsp90 as a strategy for the treatment of cancer. Hsp90 inhibitors demonstrate rapid clearance from normal tissues and the blood compartment with prolonged retention in tumors making it a sought after modality for treating cancer. Our review emphasizes its role as anti-cancer therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.