Idasanutlin is primarily used in the field of oncology as a potential therapeutic agent. It functions as an MDM2 inhibitor, which is crucial in cancer treatment because MDM2 negatively regulates the tumor suppressor protein p53. By inhibiting MDM2, idasanutlin helps to activate p53, leading to the induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. This mechanism is particularly relevant in cancers where p53 is wild-type but its activity is suppressed by high levels of MDM2. Idasanutlin has been investigated in clinical trials for its efficacy in treating various types of cancers, including hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Its application offers a promising approach to targeting cancers that are dependent on the MDM2-p53 interaction for survival and proliferation.