Newly synthesized bis-benzimidazole derivatives exerting anti-tumor activity through induction of apoptosis and autophagy

A new series of bis-benzimidazole derivatives were designed and synthesized. They showed significant anti-tumor activity in vitro compared to Hoechst 33258. Among them, the most potent compound 8 exhibited less toxicity than 5-FU on human PBMC. Compound 8 also induced autophagy and apoptosis in HL60 cells.