Abstract: A-(B)n—X   (I)

Abstract: A compound is provided having the formula: 1

Abstract: Use of compound of Formula (I): at least one of R1, R2, R5 and R6 is a group —AB and the others are independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxy, alkoxy or acyloxy, a group —AB a group -amino-(R7)nX—Y wherein R7 is a divalent organic radical and n is 0 or 1; R3 and R4are independently oxo, hydroxy or hydrogen; the or each A is independently a spacer group of formula -amino-(R7)n—X— which is bonded to the anthracene ring via the amino group nitrogen and to B via —X—, X is independently selected from O, NH and C(O); B is an amino acid residue or a peptide group or isostere thereof and Y is hydrogen or a capping group, or a physiologically acceptable derivative of such compound for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancers or microbial infections having cells exhibiting topoisomerase I activity characterised in that the group -amino-(R7)n—X— incorporates an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring directly attached to the anthroquinone rin

Abstract: A compound having the structural formula, ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently hydrogen or hydroxyl. R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently oxo or hydrogen, one of R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 is A--B and the other is hydrogen, hydroxyl, or a group A, wherein each A is a spacer group providing --NH-- or --CO-- in the bond with B (if present); at least one A group does not provide the residue of an .alpha.-amino acid adjacent the anthraquinone nucleus and the A of any A--B moiety is joined to the anthraquinone nucleus via an --NH-- bond, and each B is a peptide group or a physiologically acceptable derivative thereof. The compounds are useful as antitumor compounds.