GO-203 is primarily used in cancer research due to its ability to inhibit the function of the tumor suppressor protein p53. It works by targeting the interaction between p53 and its negative regulator, MDM2, thereby stabilizing p53 levels in cells. This stabilization promotes apoptosis in cancer cells, making GO-203 a valuable tool in studying novel anti-cancer therapies, particularly in tumors where p53 is over-degraded or inactivated. Its application is focused on preclinical studies to evaluate its efficacy in inducing cell death in various cancer types, including breast and lung cancers. Researchers also use GO-203 to explore combination therapies with other chemotherapeutic agents to enhance tumor cell killing.