WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2026—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new treatment for adults with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).
The treatment regimen, acalabrutinib (Calquence®) combined with venetoclax, becomes the first treatment for this chronic form of blood cancer that is both all‑oral and designed to be taken for a fixed amount of time.
Instead of having to remain on treatment for many years, some patients may now be able to take this treatment at home for 14 months and then stop, while still receiving strong protection from their cancer progressing.
“When you’re told that there is no cure for your cancer, the idea of treatment stretching on forever can feel overwhelming,” says Lore Gruenbaum, Ph.D., Blood Cancer United’s Chief Scientific Officer. “Having a therapy that is effective and eventually ends gives many patients hope and gives them the opportunity to focus more on living their lives with blood cancer and less on ongoing treatment.”
In the clinical trial that supported this FDA approval, treatment with the fixed-duration combination of acalabrutinib and venetoclax reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 35% compared to several commonly used chemotherapy-based regimens.
A Deep Commitment to Improving Lives
Blood Cancer United is dedicated to advancing research that not only extends lives but also improves the way people live with blood cancer.
A major focus of our work is supporting time‑limited treatments like this new acalabrutinib approval that are effective but do not require patients to stay on them forever.
“We believe that, with strong science and careful monitoring, many people can safely enjoy time off treatment and experience a better quality of life,” says Dr. Gruenbaum.
In multiple myeloma, Blood Cancer United is helping to fund a study led by Alfred Garfall, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. That trial is investigating whether patients can safely stop or pause certain bispecific antibody treatments after their disease has responded to the therapy.
Additionally, Blood Cancer United has provided funding through its Academic Clinical Trials grant program to Philippe Armand, M.D., Ph.D., of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, to investigate a time‑limited combination of two treatments for people with newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma. The goal is to see whether a focused, finite period of treatment can create deep, long‑lasting responses and allow patients to spend more time living their lives rather than managing ongoing therapy.
“These medicines work extremely well, but remaining on them long term can increase infection risk and place a burden on daily life,” Dr. Gruenbaum said.
Another area of interest in reduced time of drug treatment is in acute myeloid leukemia. Through Blood Cancer United’s Beat AML Master Clinical trial, investigators are researching whether a shorter course of venetoclax—14 days instead of the current 28‑day schedule—can work just as well when combined with azacitidine and targeted treatments. This approach could help reduce side effects and make treatment easier for patients while keeping the leukemia under control.
“Together, these studies reflect Blood Cancer United’s dedication to advancing treatments that are effective, safer, and easier on daily life,” concluded Dr. Gruenbaum. “Our goal is simple: to help people with blood cancer achieve the best possible outcomes while giving them more time away from treatment.”
If you or a loved one need personalized disease, treatment or support information, you can contact one of our Information Specialists here.