PRL-3 inhibitors are primarily used in cancer research and therapy due to their ability to target PRL-3 phosphatase, an enzyme often overexpressed in various cancers. By inhibiting this enzyme, these compounds can potentially reduce tumor growth, metastasis, and invasion, making them valuable in developing treatments for aggressive cancers like colorectal, breast, and ovarian cancer. Additionally, PRL-3 inhibitors are studied for their role in modulating signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival, offering insights into novel therapeutic strategies. Their application extends to preclinical studies, where they are used to understand the molecular mechanisms of cancer progression and to evaluate their efficacy in combination with other anticancer agents.