DNA topoisomerase IB (TOP1) regulates DNA topological structure in many cellular metabolic processes and is a validated target for development of antitumor agents. Our previous study revealed that the benzophenanthridone scaffold is a novel chemotype for the discovery of TOP1 inhibitors. In this work, a series of novel 5-aminoethyl substituted benzophenanthridone derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for TOP1 inhibition and cytotoxicity. Compound 12 exhibits the most potent TOP1 inhibition (+++) and cytotoxicity in human cancer cell lines with GI<sub>50</sub> values at nanomolar concentration range. 12 induces the cellular TOP1cc formation and DNA damage, resulting in HCT116 cell apoptosis. The pharmacokinetics, acute toxicity and antitumor efficiency in vivo of 12 were also studied.