Studies on the expression of the GSH/GSSG redox system in HNSCC cells under consideration of the HPV status

Introduction Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are the most prevalent malignancies of the upper aero-digestive tract. Resistance of HNSCC to radiotherapy hampers the efficacy of tumor treatment. The GSH/GSSG cellular redox buffer system is capable of neutralizing radicals such as radiation-induced reactive oxygen species thereby helping to protect tumor cells from therapy induced cell death.