STF-31 is primarily used in biochemical and cancer research due to its ability to selectively inhibit glucose uptake in certain cancer cells, particularly those with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) deficiency. It targets the glucose transporter GLUT1, disrupting energy metabolism in tumor cells and leading to cell death. This makes STF-31 a valuable tool for studying cancer metabolism and evaluating the therapeutic potential of metabolic inhibitors. It has shown efficacy in preclinical models against renal cell carcinoma and other VHL-deficient tumors. Additionally, STF-31 is used to investigate the role of glycolysis in cell proliferation and survival, contributing to the development of targeted anticancer therapies.