Nutlin-3 is widely used in cancer research as a potent inhibitor of the MDM2-p53 interaction. By blocking this interaction, it activates the p53 tumor suppressor pathway, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. This makes it a valuable tool for studying p53-dependent mechanisms and developing potential cancer therapies. It is particularly effective in cancers where p53 is wild-type but inhibited by MDM2 overexpression. Additionally, Nutlin-3 is utilized in preclinical studies to evaluate its efficacy in combination with other anticancer agents, enhancing its potential for therapeutic applications.