Abstract: Disclosed is an anticancer composition containing auranofin and a mercapto compound and the use thereof. The composition contains auranofin and the mercapto compound. By the combined use of auranofin and the mercapto compound, the problem that auranofin cannot effectively inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells under normal physiological condition is solved. When combined with the mercapto compound, auranofin can inhibit tumor growth well, indicating that the combination of auranofin and the mercapto compound can be used as an anticancer drug composition. Moreover, the uptake of auranofin in tumor tissues also can be adjusted by regulating the type of mercapto compound, and thus, providing better selectivity in vivo anti-cancer.