SLC7A11 is an amino acid transport protein responsible for extracellular cystine uptake and exchange for glutamate. Cystine is reduced to cysteine, which is the rate-limiting substrate in glutathione synthesis and is involved in the protection of cells from oxidative stress, and is important for cell growth, reproduction, and metabolic renewal processes.SLC7A11 is expressed in a variety of human tissues, and has been found to show an upregulation trend in numerous types of cancer cells.SLC7A11 expression plays a prognosis in tumor and drug resistance mechanisms, and is therefore considered a potential therapeutic target. In this review, we will explore the structure and function of SLC7A11, the regulatory factors of SLC7A11 expression and activity, with a special focus on its role in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and whether it can be used as a biomarker for assessing prognosis.