This review presents the history of the discovery of indolo[2,3-a]carbazoles, lists the currently known natural compounds of this subclass, and gives the sources for their isolation. The main approaches used to obtain synthetic indolo[2,3-a]carbazoles are described, and examples of compounds from this group that are most promising because of their high antitumor activity are given. The spectrum of biological properties of natural and synthetic compounds of this subclass is highlighted. The molecular mechanisms of their antitumor action as the most significant in the context of clinical use are separately considered. Particular attention is paid to indolo[2,3-a]- carbazoles that have reached clinical trials or are already in use for the treatment of malignant neoplasms.

中文翻译：

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吲哚[2,3-a]咔唑类化合物：多样性，生物学特性，在抗肿瘤治疗中的应用

这篇综述介绍了吲哚[2,3- a ]咔唑的发现历史，列出了该亚类目前已知的天然化合物，并提供了其分离来源。描述了用于获得合成吲哚并[2,3- a ]咔唑的主要方法，并给出了由于其高抗肿瘤活性而最有前途的这类化合物的实例。该子类的天然和合成化合物的生物学特性范围得到了强调。在临床应用中，其抗肿瘤作用的分子机制是最重要的。特别要注意的是吲哚[2,3- a]-咔唑已经达到临床试验或已经用于治疗恶性肿瘤。