Towards rational design of RAD51-targeting prodrugs: platinumIV–artesunate conjugates with enhanced cytotoxicity against BRCA-proficient ovarian and breast cancer cells

Two PtIV-artesunate anticancer prodrugs that target RAD51, a crucial protein in homologous recombination mediating the sensitivity of cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents, were designed; their cytotoxicities against BRCA-proficient ovarian and breast cancer cells are significantly higher than those of cisplatin.