SU5402 is primarily used as a selective inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinases, particularly targeting the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). It is widely applied in research settings to study signal transduction pathways involved in cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. Due to its ability to block kinase activity, SU5402 is used in cancer research to investigate tumor growth and the development of new anti-angiogenic therapies. It also serves as a tool compound in developmental biology to examine the role of FGF signaling in embryogenesis and tissue differentiation. Its application is mostly confined to in vitro and preclinical studies, where it helps elucidate the mechanisms of kinase-driven diseases and supports the development of targeted therapeutics.