A topoisomerase inhibitor that inhibits DNA topoisomerase (ATP-hydrolysing), EC 5.99.1.3 (also known as topoisomerase II and as DNA gyrase), which catalyses ATP-dependent breakage of both strands of DNA, passage of the unbroken strands through the breaks, and rejoining of the broken strands.
An anthracycline antibiotic with antineoplastic actions similar to doxorubicin, 4'-epidoxorubicin is used as the hydrochloride salt for the treatment of leukaemias and lymphomas as well as the treatment of bladder, breast, and stomach cancers. It exerts its antitumor effects by interference with the synthesis and function of DNA.