Abstract: A method of inhibiting cancer cell growth is provided. In some versions, the method includes exposing lung cancer cells or glioma cells to 2,9-di-sec-butyl-1,10-phenanthroline (SBP) or derivatives of SBP in an amount effective to inhibit glioma cell growth. Also, a method of treating a lung cancer or a glioma tumor in a subject in need of such treatment is provided. The method includes administering SBP or derivatives of SBP to the subject in an amount effective to treat the lung cancer or glioma tumor. For either method, the method can further include exposing or administering pseudo five coordinate gold(III) complexes of SBP derivatives.