Oxidative Stress, Tissue Damage, and Carcinogenesis: A Comprehensive Review

Author(s): Alaa Saadi Abbood1, Alaa Saad Hasan1, Bushra Shihab Hamad2
Date: 09/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890

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Abstract

This review highlights the role of oxidative stress caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in 
inducing tissue damage through lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage. An imbalance 
between ROS and antioxidant defense systems leads to chronic inflammation and dysregulated cellular 
signaling. Accumulated oxidative damage promotes genomic instability and impairs DNA repair 
mechanisms. These processes enhance abnormal cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, angiogenesis, 
and tumor microenvironment remodeling. Collectively, oxidative stress–mediated alterations play a 
central role in carcinogenesis, influencing cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic response.

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