The experienced medical research leader will oversee NCCN programs aimed at advancing clinical trials and improving the quality, effectiveness, and accessibility of cancer care.
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a coalition of leading cancer centers dedicated to patient care, research, and education, announced the selection of Nancy L. Lewis, MD, MBS, FACP, as the new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO).
Dr. Lewis is an experienced biomedical researcher, specializing in clinical trials for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. She recently served as Senior Clinical Program Leader at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, following several years as an associate professor at prestigious cancer centers. She is a graduate of Penn State University, Temple University School of Medicine, and Rutgers University. Dr. Lewis completed her internship at the University of Rochester and her Fellowship at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, one of NCCN’s founding member institutions.
«”We are at a pivotal time for cancer research; while we have many successes to build upon, there is still much work to be done. Dr. Lewis is the ideal person to oversee the work we do to encourage innovation and the discovery of knowledge that improves the lives of people with cancer,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, CEO, NCCN. “«She will be a significant asset to our leadership team, helping to ensure that our research programs and clinical initiatives continue to advance oncology outcomes worldwide.”»
Dr. Lewis has been recognized by some of the country’s leading cancer organizations, including the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the American Cancer Society (ACS).
As CSO, Dr. Lewis will be involved in NCCN’s Oncology Research Program (ORP) as well as key aspects of NCCN’s Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines and NCCN Guidelines for Patients. She will oversee the NCCN Biomarkers Compendium, NCCN Radiation Therapy Compendium, and NCCN Imaging Appropriate Use Criteria. Dr. Lewis will also participate in NCCN’s continuing medical education program and relevant global and policy initiatives.
«”I am thrilled to join the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and contribute to its extraordinary legacy of progress in high-quality cancer care,” Dr. Lewis stated. “«”I look forward to working with NCCN’s exceptional collaborators to tackle new challenges and find innovative solutions that improve the lives of patients worldwide.”»
Ms. Lewis will succeed Ms. Denlinger, who served as the company’s chief executive officer before becoming the organization’s general director. Dr. Lewis will assume her new role in May 2026.
About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is a non-profit alliance of leading cancer centers dedicated to patient care, research, and education. NCCN’s mission is to define and promote quality, effectiveness, fairness, and accessibility of cancer care and prevention, so everyone can live better. NCCN’s clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services; they are the recognized standard for clinical
