The document summarizes the development of potent and selective inhibitors of ecto-5'-nucleotidase based on an anthraquinone scaffold. It discusses the function of ectonucleotidases in hydrolyzing extracellular nucleotides. It then describes the synthesis and optimization of anthraquinone derivatives as inhibitors of ecto-5'-nucleotidase through structure-activity relationships. The most potent compounds showed submicromolar inhibition selectively for ecto-5'-nucleotidase over other ectonucleotidases and P2 receptors, indicating potential for cancer treatment.