Dr. Renuka Iyer Appointed as Chief Medical Officer of NCCN

Dr. Renuka Iyer Appointed as Chief Medical Officer at NCCN

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has announced the appointment of Dr. Renuka Iyer as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO). This significant milestone reflects Dr. Iyer's extensive experience in oncology and her commitment to enhancing cancer care globally. Previously, she held a prominent role at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she was a professor and led the gastrointestinal oncology department.

Dr. Iyer's educational background is impressive. After completing her fellowship in clinical oncology at Roswell Park, she earned her degree from Grant Medical College in Mumbai and completed her residency at Cornell University Medical College. She is board-certified in internal medicine and oncology, showcasing her expertise in the field. Throughout her career, Dr. Iyer has contributed to the advancement of cancer treatment through innovative research, focusing on rare cancer therapies, immunotherapy, and the quality of life for patients.

Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, the CEO of NCCN, expressed confidence in Dr. Iyer's ability to influence cancer treatment and outcomes on a global scale. Her dedication to research and improvement in patient care has been evident over the years. Dr. Iyer's previous involvement with NCCN includes being a member of the Guidelines Steering Committee, where she has participated in strategic decision-making relevant to clinical oncology practices.

In her new role as the CMO, Dr. Iyer will oversee the NCCN Guidelines program, which consists of 90 sets of recommendations for nearly every type of cancer, focusing on prevention, screening, and supportive care. These guidelines are critically reviewed and updated at least annually, ensuring they remain at the forefront of oncology practices. The guidelines are also accessible through the NCCN Guidelines Navigator™, an interactive platform designed to assist healthcare professionals in implementing the recommendations effectively.

Moreover, Dr. Iyer will lead clinical initiatives and manage resources derived from these guidelines, including the NCCN Compendia library, which serves as a critical reference for clinical practice. She will also supervise the organization’s continuing education department and the JNCCN—the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network—while participating in health policy activities on an international level.

Expressing her excitement, Dr. Iyer stated, “I am honored to be selected for this prestigious role and thrilled to be part of NCCN at a time when new insights and opportunities for innovation in how we share information with patients are emerging.” With over 21 years in academic oncology, she is eager to contribute to enhancing the standards of cancer care and addressing the rising demands for quality oncology services.

Dr. Iyer is set to begin her new position on February 26, 2026. The NCCN, marking 30 years as a non-profit alliance of leading cancer centers, has dedicated itself to defining and promoting high-quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care, aiming to help all individuals lead better lives. With NCCN's clinical practice guidelines widely regarded as the international standard for clinical decision-making in oncology, Dr. Iyer's leadership is anticipated to further strengthen the organization’s mission.

For further information, visit NCCN.org.