Idarubicin is an anthracycline antineoplastic agent primarily used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), often in combination with cytarabine. It is also used in some regimens for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Idarubicin works by intercalating into DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II, which interferes with DNA replication and transcription, leading to DNA damage and apoptosis in cancer cells. It is administered intravenously and requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects, including myelosuppression, nausea, and cardiotoxicity. While it may be investigated for other cancers such as breast cancer or solid tumors, its use is primarily limited to hematologic malignancies.