SLC1A5 and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A previous immunohistochemical study found that the expression of ASCT2 is significantly associated with advanced T stage, lymph node metastasis and lymphatic permeation in tongue cancer.15 Based on the role of ASCT2 in other cancers and the relationship between ASCT2 and clinicopathological features in tongue cancer, we hypothesise that ASCT2 transports glutamine into HNSCC cells and that glutamine metabolism subsequently supports cancer cell growth and survival.