The invention relates to a prodrug compound consisting of a drug moiety comprising an amine or hydroxyl moiety and a protecting group moiety covalently linked to the amine or hydroxyl moiety. The drug moiety is effective in the treatment of cancer when the drug moiety is separated from the protecting group moiety. The protecting group moiety is cleavable from the amine or hydroxyl moiety by reaction with molecular hydrogen (H2) in the presence of a catalyst. The invention further relates to a combination medicament comprising the prodrug, a catalyst effecting reductive deprotection of the drug moiety, and optionally a reducing agent. In addition, the prodrug compound or the combination medicament are provided for use in a method of treatment or prevention of cancer.The protecting group has preferably one of the following formulas:
