Dr. Nancy L. Lewis Appointed as Chief Scientific Officer of NCCN to Enhance Cancer Research and Treatment
On April 9, 2026, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) announced the appointment of Dr. Nancy L. Lewis, MD, MBS, FACP, as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). With a wealth of experience in biomedical research and a strong background in clinical studies related to solid tumors and hematological malignancies, Dr. Lewis is expected to spearhead NCCN's commitment to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of cancer care.
Dr. Lewis, who previously served as a Senior Clinical Program Leader at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, has also held faculty positions at renowned academic cancer centers. Her impressive academic journey includes degrees from Pennsylvania State University, Temple University School of Medicine, and Rutgers University, alongside completing her residency at the University of Rochester and a fellowship at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, one of NCCN's founding institutions.
The NCCN, a non-profit alliance of leading cancer centers focused on patient care, research, and education, recognizes that appointing Dr. Lewis comes at a critical time for cancer research. Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, CEO of NCCN, remarked that Dr. Lewis embodies the leadership needed to advance innovation and knowledge discovery in cancer care. Her role will involve overseeing significant aspects of the NCCN's Oncology Research Program, clinical practice guidelines, and the NCCN Biomarkers Compendium, among other initiatives.
As the new CSO, Dr. Lewis's responsibilities will extend to implementing and sustaining the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) as well as the NCCN Guidelines for Patients®, which aim to inform and empower patients and their caregivers. Furthermore, she will direct the medical education program at NCCN and contribute to global health initiatives in oncology. Dr. Lewis expressed her enthusiasm about joining the NCCN, stating that she looks forward to tackling new challenges and fostering innovative solutions that will enhance the lives of patients around the globe.
Dr. Lewis succeeds Dr. Denlinger in the role of CSO, who transitioned to become the CEO of the organization. Dr. Lewis's leadership is anticipated to have a profound impact not only within NCCN but also across the broader cancer care landscape, reinforcing NCCN's mission to promote evidence-based, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer treatment.
NCCN is dedicated to defining and advancing high-quality cancer care, which is outlined in its widely recognized clinical practice guidelines. These guidelines represent the benchmark for standardizing cancer care and are continuously updated based on current research findings to ensure the best outcomes for patients. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients® serve to educate and empower individuals facing cancer challenges, offering expert insights and support for treatment and care decisions.
With Dr. Lewis at the helm of scientific endeavors, NCCN aims to strengthen its position as a leader in cancer treatment and research, paving the way for breakthroughs that will ultimately benefit patients worldwide. The entire healthcare community and cancer advocacy groups await the positive changes and advancements that Dr. Lewis’s leadership will undoubtedly bring to the field of oncology.