We analyzed the research data on antitumor effects of a wide range of ferrocene compounds and discussed possible mechanisms of their bioactivities. Current trends in the study of antican cer effects of ferrocene derivatives were considered. Promising ways in the design of low toxicity anticancer ferrocene based drugs of new generation were outlined. * Dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the A. N. Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences (INEOS RAS). The review was written on the initiative and with the active participation of Yu. S. Nekrasov who served with good faith and fidelity for INEOS RAS for more than 40 years. † Deceased.