The invention provides a protected anti-neoplastic agent of the formula Hyp-N, wherein N is an anti-neoplastic agent and a protectable hydroxyl group of the anti-neoplastic is substituted with Hyp Hyp is a moiety having the formula: wherein R 2 is hydrogen R 3 is hydrogen or C 1 -C 6 alkyl R 1 is C 1 -C 6 alkyl or C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, optionally substituted with one or more heteroatom-containing groups and R 4 is hydrogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, or C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, optionally substituted with one or more heteroatom-containing groups.