Final answer:
The first thing you must do when starting with a compound that has activity against cancer cells is to test its effectiveness and safety through laboratory experiments and clinical trials. This involves evaluating the compound's ability to target cancer cells and assessing any potential side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are starting with a compound that has activity against cancer cells, the first thing you must do is test its effectiveness and safety. This is typically done through a series of laboratory experiments and clinical trials. During these tests, the compound will be evaluated for its ability to specifically target cancer cells without harming normal cells. It will also be assessed for any potential side effects. If the compound shows promise in these early stages of testing, further research and development can be pursued.