AZD-7648 is a potent and selective inhibitor of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), a key enzyme involved in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks through the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. Its primary application lies in cancer therapy, particularly in enhancing the effectiveness of DNA-damaging treatments such as ionizing radiation and certain chemotherapeutic agents like topoisomerase inhibitors. By inhibiting DNA-PK, AZD-7648 prevents cancer cells from efficiently repairing DNA damage, leading to increased cell death and improved tumor control. It is being investigated in preclinical and early clinical studies as a radiosensitizer and chemosensitizer, especially in tumors that rely heavily on the NHEJ pathway for DNA repair. AZD-7648 shows promise in combination with radiotherapy or DNA-damaging chemotherapy in cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, and other solid tumors. Its selectivity reduces the risk of off-target effects, making it a favorable candidate for combination regimens where preserving normal tissue function is critical.