The cytotoxicity of (−)-lomaiviticin A arises from induction of double-strand breaks in DNA

(−)-Lomaiviticin A inhibits the growth of cancer cells at nanomolar to picomolar concentrations; however, the basis for this potent cytotoxicity is not known. This natural product has now been shown to induce production of DNA double-strand breaks at nanomolar concentrations. Evidence demonstrates that strand cleavage proceeds via reactive carbon-centred free radical intermediates.