Pro-drug forms of linear polyamine-bridged platinum compounds and methods for their production and use are provided. The polyamine-bridge portion of the compounds is based on spermine or spermidine, and the central amines of the polyamine-bridge are chemically bonded to labile blocking groups. The presence of the blocking groups serves to minimize the toxicity of the Pt compounds upon administration. Selective removal of the blocking groups and release of the active, unblocked species occurs upon exposure to suitable environmental conditions.