[Zn(S2CNRR′)2]2 (1–4) are more cytotoxic to human cancer cells than normal cells.
2 (R = R′ = CH2CH2OH) is selectively cytotoxic against A2780.
1–4 cause apoptosis in HT-29 cells by both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
1–4 inhibit cell invasion by down-regulation of NF-ĸB.
All but 3 are topoisomerase I inhibitors.