Abietane diterpenoids developed from a 7-acetoxyroyleanone that has been isolated from the root of the plant Salvia leriifolia are utilized in the prevention of growth and development of pathogenic cells, e.g., cancer cells. The 7-acetoxyroyleanones show efficacy in treatment and prevention of a wide range of cancer types as well as other neoplastic diseases as a chemo-preventative, a primary or secondary cytotoxic agent, a sensitizer for other therapies, or one component of a combinatorial treatment.
