AMG 232 is primarily used in cancer research due to its role as a selective inhibitor of the MDM2-p53 interaction. By inhibiting this interaction, it allows the activation of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway, which is often inactivated in various cancers. This makes it a valuable tool in studying potential therapeutic strategies for cancers where p53 function is compromised. Researchers utilize AMG 232 to explore its efficacy in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells and its potential as part of combination therapies with other anticancer agents. Its application is particularly significant in preclinical studies aimed at understanding and targeting p53-dependent pathways in oncology.