The PBS Update April 2026: Expanded Indications + New Rare Cancer Options

In this episode of PBS Updates, Rachel Bavin and Professor Craig Underhill provide a concise overview of six new PBS listings in Australian oncology and hematology as of April 2026. The discussion highlights Repotrectinib for ROS1 and NTRK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, showing strong efficacy in both treatment-naïve and TKI-resistant patients, with a notable 80% response rate in first-line settings. The episode also covers expanded uses for pembrolizumab (Pembro) in high-risk cervical, renal cell, and head and neck cancers, all supported by perioperative trial data demonstrating improved event-free survival. Duvelimab is now listed for muscle-invasive bladder cancer in a neoadjuvant-adjuvant regimen, showing a 7% survival advantage at 24 months. In hematology, three new drugs are introduced: elranatumab for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (60% response rate, 17-month PFS), edaratinib for myelofibrosis with JAK2/FLT3 inhibition, and mogamolazumab for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Additional updates include price reductions for key agents and expanded prescribing rights for nurse practitioners. The hosts emphasize the importance of next-generation sequencing, multidisciplinary care, and equitable access to therapies, particularly for rare cancers.