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Dr. Nancy L. Lewis Appointed as Chief Scientific Officer by NCCN

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a coalition of esteemed cancer centers focused on patient care, research, and education, has appointed Dr. Nancy L. Lewis, MD, MBS, FACP, as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). This announcement, made on April 9, 2026, signifies a pivotal step forward in enhancing cancer research and improving patient treatment outcomes.

Dr. Lewis comes with an impressive background in biomedical research, particularly in the clinical trials of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Prior to her new role at the NCCN, she served as the Senior Clinical Program Leader at Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Moreover, her prior experience includes several years as an associate professor at prestigious cancer centers, adding considerable depth to her expertise in oncology.

Graduating from Penn State University, Dr. Lewis furthered her education at Temple University School of Medicine and Rutgers University. Her medical internship was completed at the University of Rochester, while she honed her specialization through a fellowship at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, one of the NCCN's founding member institutions.

Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, the CEO of NCCN, expressed confidence in Dr. Lewis’s leadership: "We are at a critical juncture in cancer research; we can build on numerous successes, but substantial work remains. Dr. Lewis is ideally suited to oversee our initiatives aimed at fostering innovation that directly enhances the lives of cancer patients. She will be a critical asset to our executive team, ensuring that our research and clinical programs continue to advance oncology outcomes globally."

Dr. Lewis’s accomplishments have been recognized by some of the country's top cancer organizations, including the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the American Cancer Society (ACS). In her role as CSO, she will engage with the Oncology Research Program (ORP) and contribute to the development of the NCCN Guidelines® for clinical practice in oncology, as well as the NCCN Guidelines for Patients®. Additionally, she will oversee important resources such as the NCCN Biomarkers Compendium®, NCCN Radiation Therapy Compendium™, and NCCN Imaging Appropriate Use Criteria™.

Furthermore, Dr. Lewis will be involved in NCCN's continuing medical education programs along with relevant global and policy initiatives. "I am thrilled to join the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and contribute to its extraordinary legacy of high-quality cancer care," remarked Dr. Lewis. "I look forward to working with the exceptional collaborators at NCCN to tackle new challenges and develop innovative solutions that enhance the lives of patients around the world."

Dr. Lewis is set to succeed Dr. Denlinger, who previously served as CEO before transitioning into her current role. She will officially assume her responsibilities in May 2026.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is a nonprofit alliance of leading cancer centers dedicated to patient care, research, and education. The NCCN’s mission is to define and advocate for high-quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care and prevention, ensuring that everyone can live better. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) offer transparent, evidence-based recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services, serving as a recognized standard for cancer management and public policy across the medical field. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients® provide specialized insights into cancer treatment to inform and empower patients and caregivers, supported by the NCCN Foundation®. The NCCN also promotes continuing education, global initiatives, policy advocacy, research collaboration, and publication in the field of oncology. For further information, visit NCCN.org.