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, lymphomas, and leukemias. The compound contributes to the inhibition of topoisomerase II, an enzyme critical for DNA replication and cell division, thereby inducing apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. Its role in enhancing the efficacy and specificity of anticancer drugs makes it valuable in oncology drug development.