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Docetaxel (DTX) has become one of the most important cytotoxic drugs to treat cancer; nevertheless, its poor hydrophilicity and non-specific distribution of DTX lead to detrimental side effects. In this article, we devised carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-conjugated polymeric prodrug micelles (mPEG-CMC-DTX PMs) for DTX delivery. The ester-bonded polymeric prodrug, mPEG-CMC-DTX, was synthesized and exhibited the capacity for self-assembling into polymeric micelles. The CMC is profusely substituted and acetylated to promote the coupling rate of DTX. Covalent binding of DTX and CMC through an ester bond can be hydrolyzed to dissociate the bond under the action of esterase in the tumor. The mPEG-CMC-DTX PMs displayed promoted drug loading (>50 %, wt), commendable stability, and sustained release behavior in vitro. The gradual release of the prodrug amplified the selectivity of cytotoxicity between normal cells and tumor cells, mitigating the systemic toxicity of mPEG-CMC-DTX PMs and enabling dose intensification. Notably, mPEG-CMC-DTX PMs demonstrated a superior antitumor efficacy and low systemic toxicity due to the elevated tolerance dosage (even at 40 mg/kg DTX). In summation, mPEG-CMC-DTX PMs harmonized the antitumor efficacy and toxicity of DTX. In essence, innovative perspectives for the rational design of CMC-conjugated polymeric prodrug micelles for the delivery of potently toxic drugs were proffered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]