This experienced medical research leader will oversee NCCN programs aimed at advancing clinical trials and enhancing quality, efficiency, 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 malignant hemopathies. She recently held the position of 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 Fox Chase Cancer Center, one of the founding member institutions of NCCN.
“We are at a crucial time for cancer research; we have many successes to build on, but there is still much to do. Dr. Lewis is the ideal person to oversee the work we do to foster 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, as she will help ensure that our research and clinical programs continue to advance oncology outcomes globally.”
Dr. Lewis has been recognized by some of the country’s most important 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 the NCCN Oncology Research Program (ORP) and key aspects of NCCN’s oncology clinical practice guidelines (NCCN 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 excited to join the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and contribute to its outstanding legacy of progress in high-quality cancer care,” said Dr. Lewis. “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 Mr. Denlinger, who served as the company’s managing director before becoming the 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, efficiency, equity, and accessibility of cancer care and prevention, so that everyone can live better. The NCCN’s clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines®) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and support services; they are the recognized standard for clinical guidance and cancer management policy and the most comprehensive and frequently updated clinical practice guidelines available in all areas of medicine. NCCN’s guidelines for patients® provide specialized information on cancer treatment to inform and empower patients and caregivers, supported by the NCCN Foundation®. NCCN also encourages continuing education, global initiatives, policy, research collaboration, and publication in the field of oncology. Visit NCCN.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Rachel Darwin
267-622-6624
darwin@nccn.org
