Renuka Iyer, MD, Appointed as New Chief Medical Officer of NCCN
On December 4, 2025, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a prominent alliance of cancer centers dedicated to improving patient care and research, announced the appointment of Dr. Renuka Iyer as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO). With an extensive background in oncology, Dr. Iyer is set to enhance NCCN's mission to define and promote high-quality, evidence-based cancer treatment guidelines worldwide. Currently a professor of oncology at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is among NCCN's member institutions, Dr. Iyer has made significant contributions as the director of gastrointestinal oncology and holds additional leadership roles within the medical department at Roswell. Her credentials also include a professorship at the Jacobs School of Medicine at the University of Buffalo.
Dr. Iyer's training in medical oncology commenced at Roswell Park, following her medical education at Grant Medical College in Mumbai and residency at Cornell University Medical College. She is board-certified in internal medicine and oncology and is an active member of numerous professional societies, having earned several accolades from respected organizations such as the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. Her prolific research portfolio includes numerous articles, abstracts, and book chapters focusing on novel therapies for rare cancers, immunotherapy, biomarkers, and improving patient quality of life.
Crystal S. Denlinger, NCCN's CEO, expressed confidence in Dr. Iyer's appointment, highlighting her dedication to advancing cancer research and care quality. Crystal stated, "Renuka is perfectly poised to take on such an important role that impacts treatment and outcomes for cancer patients worldwide. She has committed her career to advancing innovations and translating that work into practice. Renuka has long made meaningful contributions to the NCCN mission, and we look forward to seeing how she will enhance access to high-quality, patient-centered cancer care."
Since 2023, Dr. Iyer has participated in the NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee, aiding in the strategic oversight of the organization's oncology clinical practice guidelines. Her previous involvement included the NCCN Guidelines Panels for occult primary cancer and hepatobiliary cancers, as well as contributions to various other professional societies' guidelines.
In her capacity as CMO, Dr. Iyer will oversee the NCCN Guidelines program, which encompasses 90 different guidelines for the treatment of nearly all known cancer types, in addition to guidelines for prevention, screening, and supportive care. Each guideline is updated at least annually, with many revisions occurring more frequently. These guidelines are accessible via the interactive NCCN Guidelines Navigator™ platform, enhancing their reach and usability.
Dr. Iyer's responsibilities will also extend to the clinical leadership of the NCCN guideline program, overseeing additional resources based on these guidelines, such as the NCCN Compendia Library, and managing continuing education initiatives and policy engagement within the organization. "I am honored to be selected for this prestigious position and excited to be part of NCCN during a time of so many updates and opportunities to renew the way we provide information to support our patients," Dr. Iyer stated. "After 21 years in academic oncology, I welcome the chance to advance high-quality cancer treatment and help build bridges to further NCCN's mission."
Dr. Iyer’s tenure as CMO is set to commence on February 26, 2026, marking the beginning of her leadership role in a renowned organization that has achieved notable milestones since its establishment 30 years ago. The NCCN remains dedicated to defining, advancing, and ensuring accessible and equitable cancer treatment and prevention solutions, contributing to healthier lives for individuals facing cancer challenges. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) continue to be recognized as the gold standard for clinical direction, providing thorough and regularly updated guidance critical to the medical community.
For further information about NCCN and its ongoing initiatives, visit NCCN.org.
Dr. Iyer's training in medical oncology commenced at Roswell Park, following her medical education at Grant Medical College in Mumbai and residency at Cornell University Medical College. She is board-certified in internal medicine and oncology and is an active member of numerous professional societies, having earned several accolades from respected organizations such as the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. Her prolific research portfolio includes numerous articles, abstracts, and book chapters focusing on novel therapies for rare cancers, immunotherapy, biomarkers, and improving patient quality of life.
Crystal S. Denlinger, NCCN's CEO, expressed confidence in Dr. Iyer's appointment, highlighting her dedication to advancing cancer research and care quality. Crystal stated, "Renuka is perfectly poised to take on such an important role that impacts treatment and outcomes for cancer patients worldwide. She has committed her career to advancing innovations and translating that work into practice. Renuka has long made meaningful contributions to the NCCN mission, and we look forward to seeing how she will enhance access to high-quality, patient-centered cancer care."
Since 2023, Dr. Iyer has participated in the NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee, aiding in the strategic oversight of the organization's oncology clinical practice guidelines. Her previous involvement included the NCCN Guidelines Panels for occult primary cancer and hepatobiliary cancers, as well as contributions to various other professional societies' guidelines.
In her capacity as CMO, Dr. Iyer will oversee the NCCN Guidelines program, which encompasses 90 different guidelines for the treatment of nearly all known cancer types, in addition to guidelines for prevention, screening, and supportive care. Each guideline is updated at least annually, with many revisions occurring more frequently. These guidelines are accessible via the interactive NCCN Guidelines Navigator™ platform, enhancing their reach and usability.
Dr. Iyer's responsibilities will also extend to the clinical leadership of the NCCN guideline program, overseeing additional resources based on these guidelines, such as the NCCN Compendia Library, and managing continuing education initiatives and policy engagement within the organization. "I am honored to be selected for this prestigious position and excited to be part of NCCN during a time of so many updates and opportunities to renew the way we provide information to support our patients," Dr. Iyer stated. "After 21 years in academic oncology, I welcome the chance to advance high-quality cancer treatment and help build bridges to further NCCN's mission."
Dr. Iyer’s tenure as CMO is set to commence on February 26, 2026, marking the beginning of her leadership role in a renowned organization that has achieved notable milestones since its establishment 30 years ago. The NCCN remains dedicated to defining, advancing, and ensuring accessible and equitable cancer treatment and prevention solutions, contributing to healthier lives for individuals facing cancer challenges. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) continue to be recognized as the gold standard for clinical direction, providing thorough and regularly updated guidance critical to the medical community.
For further information about NCCN and its ongoing initiatives, visit NCCN.org.
Topics Health）
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