Redox Status and Ascorbic Acid in Carcinoma of Head and Neck is Correlated to Clinical Response

Abstract

Human cell normally functions in a reduced state and a disturbance in the redox system precedes many pathophysiological conditions, including cancer. Radiation therapy exerts its own cytotoxic actions via production of free radicals in the body, which in turn, trigger many signaling pathways leading to apoptotic death of malignant cells but a systemic oxidative stress may intensify the condition of the disease. Ascorbic acid and thiols are the main plasma antioxidants which help fight these free radicals, and may correlate to the clinical response in head and neck cancer patients. The results of the present study indicate that thiols do not correlate but ascorbic acid correlates well to the clinical response.