AZ 628 is primarily utilized in the field of cancer research due to its ability to inhibit specific kinases involved in tumor growth. It is particularly effective in targeting B-Raf and C-Raf kinases, which play a critical role in the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. This pathway is often dysregulated in various cancers, making AZ 628 a valuable tool for studying and developing treatments for malignancies such as melanoma, colorectal cancer, and thyroid cancer. Researchers use AZ 628 to investigate the mechanisms of tumor progression and to evaluate the efficacy of kinase inhibitors in preclinical models. Its application extends to screening potential therapeutic agents and understanding resistance mechanisms in cancer cells.