What is new in cancer care this month?
The FDA has approved a new first-line option for certain adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). This approval applies to patients without a known 17p deletion. The drug, pirtobrutinib, is a noncovalent BTK inhibitor. It moves into the frontline setting after showing strong results in clinical trials. You can read the announcement from The American Journal of Managed Care.
In pancreatic cancer, a newly approved treatment called daraxonrasib has shown promise for metastatic disease. In a clinical trial, it doubled median survival time to 13.2 months for patients who had received prior treatment. This compares to 6.7 months for those on standard care. Harvard Medical School describes this as a critical first step toward transforming care for this difficult disease. Read more at Harvard Medical School.
For advanced kidney cancer, the FDA authorized a combination of belzutifan and lenvatinib. This is for clear cell renal cell carcinoma that has progressed after immunotherapy. The authorization covers progression during or after therapy, or within six months of adjuvant treatment. Details are available from CURE.
Where is this care available?
Access to new treatments often depends on location and trial enrollment. For pancreatic cancer, daraxonrasib is now an approved option, but access may vary. For CLL, pirtobrutinib is available through standard prescription channels for eligible patients. Kidney cancer patients may receive the new combination at centers specializing in renal oncology.
Clinical trials continue to explore new frontiers. The ERASur trial for limited metastatic colorectal cancer is enrolling at several sites. These include Kingman Regional Medical Center in Kingman and Mayo Clinic Hospital in Arizona in Phoenix. Other sites include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and the University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center in Sacramento. These centers offer stereotactic ablative radiotherapy and other interventions as part of the study.
What to know if you are in treatment now
New approvals do not mean every patient will benefit. Each person’s cancer behaves differently. The care team looks at genetic markers, prior treatments, and overall health. They decide if a new drug fits your specific situation. Cost and insurance coverage can also affect access. Some newer therapies face hurdles in reimbursement, as noted in recent reports on access barriers.
- Ask if your cancer type has specific genetic features that match new targeted therapies.
- Discuss whether a clinical trial is a safe and appropriate option for your stage of disease.
- Review how potential side effects compare with your current quality of life and energy levels.
Medical decisions belong with your care team. They have the full picture of your health history. Use this information to start conversations, not to make choices alone.
Where it is available
| Hospital | Location | What | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingman Regional Medical Center | Kingman | Enrolling in ERASur trial for limited metastatic colorectal cancer | source |
| Mayo Clinic Hospital in Arizona | Phoenix | Enrolling in ERASur trial for limited metastatic colorectal cancer | source |
| Cedars-Sinai Medical Center | Los Angeles | Enrolling in ERASur trial for limited metastatic colorectal cancer | source |
| University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center | Sacramento | Enrolling in ERASur trial for limited metastatic colorectal cancer | source |
Sources
- FDA Approves Pirtobrutinib for Untreated CLL/SLL Without 17p Deletion — The American Journal of Managed Care, 2026-10-01
- Newly Approved Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Seen as ‘Critical First Step’ Toward Transforming Care — Harvard Medical School, 2026-09-20
- FDA Approves Welireg Plus Lenvima for Advanced Kidney Cancer After Immunotherapy — CURE, 2026-09-23
- Testing the Addition of Total Ablative Therapy to Usual Systemic Therapy Treatment for Limited Metastatic Colorectal Cancer, ERASur Trial — ClinicalTrials.gov, 2026-10-01
This article summarizes publicly available information and is not medical advice. Decisions about treatment belong with you and your care team. Sources checked: 2026-10-03
For a more comfortable rest
The longer the days at home, the more a few small supports change how they feel.
- FIRMFLEX LevelUp Cushion (LC-150) — rests on your lap and carries the weight of both arms, so reading, scrolling or watching TV in bed or on the couch is less tiring on the shoulders. LC-150 for bed and couch, LC-CHAIR for armchairs, recliners and wheelchairs, LC-WIDE for larger builds. Washable cover with a wipe-clean, water-resistant top.
- A light lap blanket — for the afternoon hours when body temperature drops.
- A book or tablet stand — brings the screen up to eye level and shortens the time spent looking down.
