Used primarily in research settings as a potent and selective inhibitor of MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase), PD 184352 helps scientists study the MAPK signaling pathway, which plays a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. It has been investigated for its potential in cancer therapy due to its ability to block tumor cell growth and induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. Its application extends to preclinical models for evaluating targeted treatments in cancers driven by RAS or RAF mutations, such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Due to its pharmacokinetic profile, it has also served as a tool compound to assess the in vivo effects of MEK inhibition, supporting the development of related clinical candidates.