Résumé : The present invention relates to calix[4]arenes of the formula (1a), in which: Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 are selected from hydrogen, halogen, NO2, N3, CN, CHO, COOR', CONR"2, NR2, triazole moiety and C1-C3-alkyl group, said C1-C3-alkyl group being optionally substituted, Z is a heterocyclic moiety which is selected from the group consisting of imidazole, benzimidazole, benzothiazole, benzoxazole, purine, tetrazine, oxazole, pyrazole and thiazole, said heterocyclic moiety being optionally substituted, R1 and R2 are selected from hydrogen and C1-C8-alkyl, said C1-C8-alkyl group being optionally substituted, n being an integer comprised between 1 and 4 (preferably equal to 1), They exhibit high cytotoxicity against cancer cells.