A prodrug composition containing a cinnamate moiety and a biologically active molecule moiety which can be released by hydrolysis or activated by light is disclosed. The cinnamate moiety can have substituents of various electronically donating or electronically withdrawing groups to modify the cinnamate moiety's electric properties as well as photo reactivities for the purpose of achieving a proper hydrolysis rate of the acyl bond between the biologically active molecule moiety and the cinnamic acid backbone. The biologically active molecule can be any biologically active agent or diagnostic, for example, a chemotherapeutic such as a paclitaxel, campotothecin, doxorubicin, amethopterin, etoposide, or fluconazole. The prodrug composition can be modified to add a carrier moiety on the prodrug composition for targeting or to facilitate uptake of the drug. The prodrug compositions can be activated with an energy source to release the drug at the desired site. Representative energy sources can be in the form of electric force, ultrasound. Light or radiation of a radioactive material which can be administered either externally or internally.