Nutlin-3a is widely used in cancer research due to its ability to activate the p53 tumor suppressor pathway. It works by inhibiting the interaction between p53 and its negative regulator MDM2, leading to stabilization and activation of p53. This results in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells that express wild-type p53. It is commonly used as a tool compound to study p53-dependent cellular responses and has shown potential in preclinical studies for treating cancers such as leukemia, melanoma, and certain solid tumors. Nutlin-3a is also used to sensitize tumor cells to other anticancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation, enhancing their effectiveness. Its role in restoring p53 function makes it a valuable molecule in the development of targeted cancer treatments.