Prodrugs for cancer therapy

The development of effective and targeted cancer therapies remains a significant challenge in modern medicine. Prodrugs, a class of biologically inactive compounds that are enzymatically or chemically converted into active pharmacological agents within the body, have emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing the specificity and efficacy of cancer treatments. This book chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the design, mechanisms of activation, and applications of prodrugs in cancer therapy. The chapter delves into the diverse classes of prodrugs that have been investigated for cancer therapy, encompassing metal-based, natural and semisynthetic prodrugs, and antibody prodrugs. It explores the utilization of prodrugs to enhance the therapeutic index of conventional chemotherapeutics, as well as the targeted delivery of emerging immunotherapies and gene therapies. Overall, this book chapter offers a comprehensive insight into the role of prodrugs as a promising avenue in cancer therapy. It addresses the latest advancements, potential benefits, and challenges in prodrug design and implementation, fostering a deeper understanding of how prodrugs can contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat cancer effectively.