Disclosed herein are indolinone compounds of formula (1), wherein the variables are defined in the specification, and the use thereof in the treatment of cancer, infections, inflammations and autoimmune diseases. Exemplified compounds include: 2-oxo-3-[1-phenylamine-1-phenymeth-(Z)-ylidene]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl-6-(3-methylamino-1-propynyl)-methyl--2,3-dihydro-1H-indole； and 2-oxo-3-{ 1-phenyl-1-[4-(4-methylpiperazinyl)phenylamino] -meth-(Z)-ylidene} -2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-6-N-cyclopentylpropanynyl amide.
