Mitoxantrone

Mitoxantrone is an anthracenedione derivative. Mitoxantrone interferes with the normal function of topoisomerase II. Under normal conditions, topoisomerase II temporarily introduces double-strand breaks in DNA and then rapidly rejoins them to relieve DNA supercoiling. Mitoxantrone stabilizes the state in which DNA has been cleaved but not yet re-ligated, preventing DNA rejoining. This causes the accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks and increases cellular repair stress, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.