We describe here the synthesis and cell-selective delivery of a cationic Pt(iv)-backboned prodrug-like polymer P(DSP-DAEP). P(DSP-DAEP) features excellent aqueous solubility, unusually high (44.5%) drug loading, can be rapidly reduced to release the active cisplatin, and is more potent than its small molecular Pt(iv) precursor DSP. P(DSP-DAEP) can be formulated with an oppositely charged methoxyl poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-phosphotyrosine) (mPEG-b-PpY) to afford a polyion micelle (Pt-PIC) by taking advantage of polyelectrolyte coacervation. Preliminary in vitrocellular uptake and cytotoxicity assays indicate that Pt-PIC exhibits receptor (surface alkaline phosphatase)-dependent uptake and cytotoxicity. Overall, our results suggest a new approach to the improved therapeutic index of platinum-based anticancer drugs viacell-selective delivery.