Cysteine-responsive prodrug of the anti-cancer drug amonafide: fluorogenic adjuvant drug delivery with hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

L-Cysteine (Cys)-responsive turn-on fluorogenic prodrug AM-ITC was developed for the adjuvant delivery of the anti-cancer drug amonafide and the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in aqueous and cellular media. Considering the cytoprotective roles of H2S, the present adjuvant strategy would be helpful in minimizing the anti-cancer drug-induced side-effects.