Hydrogen peroxide overproduced in breast cancer cells can serve as an anticancer prodrug generating apoptosis-stimulating hydroxyl radicals under the effect of tamoxifen-ferrocene conjugate.

A new approach to the treatment of cancer is suggested, based on the innate overproduction of hydrogen peroxide in cancer cells. Hydrogen peroxide serves as a prodrug in the presence of transition metal ions, such as iron delivered by ferrocene. Under the effect of ferrocene, hydrogen peroxide is split into hydroxyl anions and highly reactive hydroxyl radicals.