Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of anthracycline antibiotics, which are critical in cancer chemotherapy. It plays a key role in the development of antitumor agents due to its structural similarity to active components in drugs like doxorubicin and daunorubicin. Its hydroxy and quinone functional groups enable redox reactions that contribute to DNA intercalation and inhibition of topoisomerase II in cancer cells. Also employed in research for designing novel chemotherapeutic compounds with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.