Used in research as a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), particularly CDK1, CDK2, and CDK9. It is studied for its potential in cancer therapy due to its ability to block cell cycle progression and suppress tumor cell proliferation. AZD5438 has been evaluated in preclinical models to assess its efficacy in inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in various cancer cell lines, including those of the breast, lung, and colon. Its application is primarily limited to laboratory research and early-stage drug development.