CP 31398 dihydrochloride is primarily utilized in biomedical research, particularly in studies focused on cancer therapy. It is known for its ability to stabilize the p53 protein, a critical tumor suppressor that plays a key role in preventing cancer development. By preventing the degradation of p53, this compound helps restore its function in cancer cells, leading to the activation of pathways that induce apoptosis (programmed cell death). This makes it a valuable tool in investigating potential treatments for cancers where p53 is mutated or dysfunctional. Additionally, it is used in experimental models to study the mechanisms of p53 stabilization and its impact on tumor growth inhibition.