The integrins α v β 3 and α v β 5 and the membrane-spanning surface protein aminopeptidase-N (APN) are highly expressed in tumor-induced angiogenesis, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Both integrins and APN recognize a broad range of peptides containing RGD (ArgGly-Asp) and NGR (Asn-Gly-Arg) motifs, respectively. Here, we describe the design, synthesis, and characterization of a series of mono-and difunctionalized platinum(IV) complexes in which a conjugated peptide motif, containing either RGD, CRGDC, (RGDfK)c or NGR, is appended as a 'tumor-homing device' to target tumor endothelial cells selectively over healthy cells. Platinum(IV)-peptide complexes with non-specific amino acids or peptide moieties were prepared as controls. Concentration-response curves of these compounds were evaluated against primary proliferating endothelial cells and tumor cell lines and compared to those of cisplatin, a well-described platinumbased chemotherapeutic agent. The Pt(IV)-RGD conjugates were highly and specifically cytotoxic to α v β 3 and α v β 5 containing cell lines, approaching the activity of cisplatin. The Pt(IV)-NGR complexes were less active than Pt(IV)-RGD-containing compounds but more active than nonspecific Pt-peptide controls. Integrin α v β 3 mediated, at least in part, the anti-proliferative effect of an Pt(IV)-RGD conjugate, as demonstrated by a decreased inhibitory response when endothelial cells were either (1) incubated with an excess of α v β 3 /α v β 3 -specific RGD pentapeptides, or (2) transfected with RNAi for β 3 , but not β 1 , integrins. These results suggest a rational approach to improved chemotherapy with Pt(IV)-peptide conjugates by selective drug delivery to the tumor compartment.