ICRF-193 is primarily used in biochemical and cancer research due to its ability to inhibit topoisomerase II, an enzyme crucial for DNA replication and cell division. This property makes it a valuable tool for studying cell cycle regulation and the mechanisms of DNA damage. Researchers utilize ICRF-193 to induce cell cycle arrest, particularly in the G2/M phase, to investigate how cells respond to DNA stress and to explore potential therapeutic strategies for cancer. Its role in stabilizing the topoisomerase II-DNA complex without causing DNA breaks distinguishes it from other topoisomerase inhibitors, providing unique insights into cellular processes and drug development.