All the factors are involved somehow in the apoptosis process. If we follow those processes, we will get alterations. So, by analyzing those alterations, we can surely say that these alterations are involved in apoptosis. You mentioned about pH. In cancer, cancer cells make their extracellular environment acidic to modulate the immune system. So, alteration in pH in cancer causes its proliferation.

So when we design anti cancer drugs it isn't may not exactly function as we expected but non the less it might cure cancer..

If the ultimate result is apoptosis then one must conduct a specific test using a suitable reaction. It may take some time to induce apoptosis, but once it sets in within 30 minutes cells may die. Annexin test, caspase activity assay (caspase 8, 9 - initiator caspases; caspase -3 executioner caspase). DNA fragmentation will occur much later. Once caspases are activated - it a point of no return.