The first generation of β-galactosidase-responsive prodrugs designed for the selective treatment of solid tumors in prodrug monotherapy.

Massive attack: Galactoside prodrugs have been designed that can be selectively activated by lysosomal β-galactosidase located inside cancer cells expressing a specific tumor-associated receptor. This efficient enzymatic process triggers a potent cytotoxic effect, releasing the potent antimitotic agent MMAE and allowing the destruction of both receptor-positive and surrounding receptor-negative tumor cells.