Induction of oxidative stress by anticancer drugs in the presence and absence of cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in the cell through multiple mechanisms. Intracellular ROS are rapidly detoxified by various enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms; however, disruption of the oxidant-antioxidant balance causes oxidative stress and elicits cell damage. The oxidative stress induced by chemotherapy is known to cause side effects in patients with cancer.