Novel selenophene compounds useful as anti-tumor agents are described. Preferred compounds include compounds of formula I:
1
wherein R
1
and R
2
are independently selected from the group consisting of,
2
H, CHO, CH
2
OH and CH
2
NH
2
; and
X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of Se, S, O, NCH
3
and NH. Pharmaceutical compositions and a method for treating patients having tumors utilizing the disclosed selenophene compounds are also described.