VE-822 is primarily utilized in the field of cancer research due to its role as an ATR kinase inhibitor. It is employed to study the mechanisms of DNA damage response, particularly in cancer cells, as it helps to inhibit the repair of damaged DNA. This makes it a valuable tool in understanding how cancer cells respond to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which often rely on inducing DNA damage to kill cancer cells. Researchers use VE-822 to explore potential strategies for sensitizing cancer cells to these therapies, thereby improving their effectiveness. Additionally, it is investigated for its potential to enhance the efficacy of other targeted cancer therapies in preclinical studies.