The present invention relates to chemical compounds having a general formula I ##STR00001## wherein A.sup.1, A.sup.2, C.sup.1, C.sup.2, D, L.sup.1, L.sup.2, Z and R.sup.1-8 are defined herein, and synthetic intermediates, which are capable of modulating various protein kinase receptor enzymes and, thereby, influencing various disease states and conditions related to the activities of such kinases. For example, the compounds are capable of modulating Aurora kinase thereby influencing the process of cell cycle and cell proliferation to treat cancer and cancer-related diseases. The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions, including the compounds, and methods of treating disease states related to the activity of Aurora kinase.