This disclosure relates to methods of treating or preventing cancer comprising administering an effective amount of a glutamate dehydrogenase 1 inhibitor to a subject in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the inhibitor has Formula I:prodrugs, derivatives, or salts thereof wherein the substituents are reported herein. In certain embodiments, the inhibitor is purpurin, derivative, or salt thereof. In certain embodiments, the inhibitor is 2-allyl-1-hydroxyanthracene-9,10-dione, prodrugs, derivatives, or salts thereof.
