AZD2461 is primarily investigated for its potential in cancer therapy, particularly in targeting tumors with specific genetic vulnerabilities. It functions as a PARP inhibitor, which makes it effective in treating cancers that have defects in DNA repair mechanisms, such as those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. By inhibiting PARP enzymes, it prevents cancer cells from repairing their DNA, leading to cell death. This makes it a promising candidate for treating ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers, especially in patients who have developed resistance to other PARP inhibitors. Ongoing research is exploring its efficacy in combination with other therapies to enhance its anticancer effects.