Generation of DNA damage by anti-neoplastic agents.

DNA has been one of the major targets of cancer chemotherapy. A variety of anti-neoplastic agents can cause different types of DNA lesions, including base alterations, single- or double-strand DNA breaks, DNA-DNA cross-links and DNA-protein cross-links. The exact processes by which these DNA lesions lead to cell death remain uncertain. However, pivotal roles of intracellular Ca2+ ion mobilization, activation of Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-dependent endonuclease and induction of several oncogenes have been proposed. Understanding the mechanism of DNA damage and subsequent cell death will be important to improve the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy.