Pirarubicin is a new kind of anthracene nucleus broad-spectrum antitumor antibiotic. This compound was rapidly incorporated into tumor cells, inhibiting DNA polymerase alpha, DNA topoisomerase II and subsequently DNA synthesis. Inhibition of RNA synthesis was also noted. It is indicated as an antineoplastic agent for the treatment of the following diseases: head and neck cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, urothelial cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, acute leukemia, malignant lymphoma. Among the side effects, cardiac toxicity, alopecia and disturbance of the digestive organs were mild.