the invention concerns au complexes of the type ] which are able to both maintain the antitumor properties and the lack of nephrotoxic side - effects of the previously reported au - dithiocarbamato complexes , together with an improved bioavailability through the peptide - mediated cellular internalization . the au complexes described have shown a significant biological activity on human tumor cell lines and , thus , they can be advantageously used as antineoplastic agents . the preparation method and use for the treatment of tumor pathologies of the au complexes of the invention are further described .