Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing chemical.

Extensive research has explored the selective production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) within cancer cells as a strategy for targeted cancer cell killing. This has been achieved through multiple approaches, including metal-based prodrugs, photodynamic therapy, enzyme-driven systems, nanoparticle-based delivery platforms, chemical modulators, and combination therapies. Many of these H₂O₂-enhancing strategies have shown promising anticancer activity and selectivity in preclinical studies.

Moderately elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) can support tumor development by enhancing cancer cell transformation, proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In contrast, high concentrations of H₂O₂ can be harmful, causing oxidative damage to key biomolecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, ultimately impairing cell viability and growth. Although cancer cells already generate elevated levels of H₂O₂, these endogenous concentrations are typically insufficient to produce therapeutic effects. As a result, strategies aimed at selectively increasing H₂O₂ production within cancer cells have emerged as a promising approach in cancer therapy.