Stilbene derivatives exhibit killing and suppression of growth activity against a variety of cancer cells, and are effective at suppressing tumor growth in vivo. The stilbene derivatives may be used in the treatment of diseases characterized by cell hyperproliferation including human malignancies and non-malignant diseases such as liver cirrhosis. Stilbenes may also disrupt abnormal vessels in tumor to achieve vascular disrupting effect to suppress tumor growth. Water soluble pro-drug forms of stilbene derivatives are particularly useful in suppressing tumor growth in vivo.