Anetumab is primarily used in the development of targeted cancer therapies, particularly for cancers that overexpress mesothelin, such as mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and certain types of lung and pancreatic cancers. As a reference antibody, it serves as a critical tool in the design and testing of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), where it helps deliver cytotoxic agents directly to tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. It is also used in diagnostic assays to detect mesothelin expression in tumor samples, aiding in patient selection for mesothelin-targeted treatments. Additionally, anetumab supports preclinical research by providing a standardized reagent for evaluating the binding affinity and specificity of new therapeutic antibodies.