Used primarily as a key intermediate in the synthesis of chemotherapeutic agents like etoposide and teniposide. These drugs are widely employed in the treatment of various cancers, including testicular cancer, small cell lung cancer, and certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. The compound contributes to the inhibition of topoisomerase II, an enzyme involved in DNA replication and repair, leading to cancer cell death. Its natural origin and specific mechanism make it valuable in oncology drug development.