Merestinib dihydrochloride is primarily used in the field of oncology as a targeted therapy for cancer treatment. It functions as a potent inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including MET, AXL, and MKNK1/2. By blocking these kinases, it disrupts signaling pathways that promote tumor growth, survival, and metastasis. This makes it particularly effective in treating cancers with dysregulated kinase activity, such as certain types of lung, liver, and gastric cancers. It is often investigated in clinical trials for its potential to enhance the efficacy of other anticancer therapies or to overcome resistance to existing treatments. Additionally, its ability to target multiple kinases simultaneously offers a broader therapeutic approach in combating complex and heterogeneous tumors.