A novel copper(II) complex identified as a potent drug against colorectal and breast cancer cells and as a poison inhibitor for human topoisomerase IIα.

A novel complex, [Cu(acetylethTSC)Cl]Cl•0.25CHOH (where acetylethTSC = ()--ethyl-2-[1-(thiazol-2-yl)ethylidene]hydrazinecarbothioamide), was shown to have anti-proliferative activity against various colon and aggressive breast cancer cell lines. studies showed that complex acted as a poison inhibitor of human topoisomerase IIα, which may account for the observed anti-cancer effects.