#United States #Plymouth Meeting #Cancer Policy #NCCN Advocacy Academy #Oncology Fellows

National Comprehensive Cancer Network: Pioneering Advocacy for Cancer Policy

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a prominent alliance of leading cancer institutions, recently introduced the NCCN Advocacy Academy, a unique fellowship program aimed at fostering effective cancer policy advocacy. Announced on April 7, 2026, the Academy marks a significant step towards empowering oncology professionals and ensuring that their voices resonate within the corridors of health policy decision-making in Washington, D.C.

The Need for Advocacy in Oncology

As cancer care evolves, the need for informed advocacy becomes increasingly crucial. Health policy impacts a multitude of issues from drug accessibility to payment structures for innovative treatments. This program aims to equip cancer professionals with the necessary skills to address these complexities, enhance communication with policymakers, and drive changes that improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, CEO of NCCN, articulated the program's vision: "Everyone should have tools to make informed decisions about what is best for their health. Similarly, policymakers need tools and information to guide effective health policy." By cultivating policy leadership skills among emerging scientists and care providers, the NCCN Advocacy Academy seeks to bridge the gap between clinical practice and legislative action.

Inaugural Cohort of Advocacy Academy Fellows

The initial cohort comprises 12 talented doctors selected by the NCCN Policy Team. These fellows hail from vibrant institutions across the country and will participate in a series of training sessions designed to deepen their understanding of the policymaking process. With mentorship from national leaders, the fellows will engage directly with congressional delegations to advance key health policy projects.

The fellows and their chosen projects reflect a wide range of pressing issues in cancer care:

• - Neha Agrawal, MD (MD Anderson Cancer Center): Focused on addressing the IRA Pill Penalty and expanding access for small molecule cancer therapies.
• - Alaa Ali, MD (Moffitt Cancer Center): Advocating for a national strategy to safeguard the cellular and gene therapy pipeline through enhanced collaboration across sectors.
• - Alexis Chen Boulter, MD (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia): Working to expand pediatric home infusion capacity with a focus on payment adjustments.
• - Mateus Trinconi Cunha, MD (Ohio State University): Aiming to establish a policy pathway for timely coverage of biomarker testing for head and neck cancer patients.
• - Adrian Diaz, MD, MPH (UChicago Medicine): Developing oncology-specific network adequacy standards for Medicaid managed care.
• - Dayna Jill Isaacs, MD, MPH (UC Davis): Creating national workshops aimed at promoting guideline-concordant cancer care.
• - Roger Kim, MD, MSCE (University of Pennsylvania): Proposing early intervention strategies for non-small cell lung cancer.
• - Ahed Makhoul, MD, MBA (Cleveland Clinic): Bridging care models for patients with multiple myeloma.
• - Emily L. Podany, MD (Siteman Cancer Center): Enhancing education on cancer risks related to historical contamination and compensation acts.
• - Alyssa Scher, MD (Fox Chase Cancer Center): Advocating for expanded insurance approvals for pain management therapies.
• - Christopher Su, MD, MPH (Fred Hutchinson): Supporting medical debt reform initiatives.
• - McKenzie J. White, MD (Moffitt Cancer Center): Addressing cancer care disparities for rural and Native American populations.

Cultivating Future Leaders in Cancer Advocacy

The NCCN Advocacy Academy is not just about training health professionals; it’s about creating a dialogue between healthcare providers and policymakers. By ensuring that those who directly care for cancer patients have a platform to share their insights, the NCCN is paving the way for informed legislation that benefits patients across the nation.

Alyssa Schatz, DrPH, MSW, Vice President of Policy Advocacy at NCCN, expressed confidence in the inaugural fellows, emphasizing the program’s potential to influence evidence-based cancer policy at all governmental levels. Similarly, Victoria Hood, MPP, highlighted how the fellows’ projects target critical issues impacting cancer care, including medical debt and access to essential treatments.

As the NCCN gears up for the next round of applications in early 2027, the hope is that this advocacy academy will not only support current healthcare challenges but also cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to advancing cancer care standards.

For more information about the NCCN Advocacy Academy and its initiatives, visit NCCN.org/advocacy-academy. This program signifies a commitment to excellence in cancer care and advocacy, ensuring that the voices of those on the front lines are heard loud and clear in the halls of power.