Recent Advances in Pro-PROTAC Development to Address On-Target Off-Tumor Toxicity

Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology represents a novel and promising modality for targeted protein degradation with transformative implications for the clinical management of various diseases. Despite notable advantages, the possibility of on-target off-tumor toxicity in healthy cells represents a critical challenge to clinical applications in cancer treatment. Researchers are currently exploring strategies to enhance targeted degradation activity in a cell-selective manner to minimize undesirable side effects. In this Perspective, we highlight innovative approaches for prodrug-based PROTACs (pro-PROTACs) that facilitate tumor-targeted release. The development of such approaches may further expand the range of potential applications of PROTAC technology within drug development.