Ganetespib is primarily investigated for its potential in cancer treatment, particularly as a heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor. It targets HSP90, a chaperone protein that stabilizes various client proteins involved in cancer cell growth and survival. By inhibiting HSP90, it disrupts the function of these client proteins, leading to the degradation of oncogenic proteins and inhibition of tumor growth. It has shown promise in clinical trials for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, it is being explored for its efficacy in other cancers, such as breast cancer, leukemia, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, due to its ability to target multiple signaling pathways critical for cancer progression. Its application extends to overcoming resistance to traditional therapies, making it a potential option for refractory or relapsed cancers.