Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death in recent years, and its essence is the peroxidative death caused by the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (L-ROS) in cells, which is iron ion-dependent. Erastin, as a potent inducer of ferroptosis, can mediate ferroptosis through multiple molecules such as cystine-glutamate transport receptors, voltage-dependent anion channels, and p53. More importantly, Erastin can enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, so it can be used as a new type of anticancer drug. This article reviews the discovery of Erastin, the ferroptosis pathway, the action pathway of Erastin and its anti-tumor characteristics, as well as the latest research progress at home and abroad.