The present invention is a DNA intercalating agent represented by the structure Y—Z—Y, wherein Y is an antitumor bis-carbazole and Z is a linear arrangement of multiple aromatic rings, containing at least two aromatic rings, or at least two alicyclic rings, said rings being linked in a 1,4 or 1,3 manner. Methods of inhibiting cancer cells and treating subjects having cancer with these agents are also provided.
