The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has announced the selection of Nancy L. Lewis, MD, MBS, FACP, as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO).
Nancy L. Lewis, MD, MBS, FACP
Dr. Lewis is an experienced biomedical researcher with expertise in clinical trials for treating solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. She most recently served as Senior Clinical Program Leader for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, after several years as an Associate Professor for various academic cancer centers. She holds degrees from Penn State University, Temple University School of Medicine, and Rutgers University. Dr. Lewis completed residency at the University of Rochester and her fellowship in hematology/oncology at Temple University, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia.
“This is a pivotal time for cancer research; there are many successes to build on, yet so much still to do. Dr. Lewis is the perfect person to oversee the work we do to foster innovation and knowledge discovery that improves the lives of people with cancer,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer of NCCN. “She will be an important asset to our leadership team as she helps us ensure our research and clinical programs continue to advance outcomes in oncology around the world.”
Dr. Lewis has previously been honored with awards from ASCO, the American Association for Cancer Research, and the American Cancer Society.
As CSO, Dr. Lewis will assist in the NCCN Oncology Research Program (ORP) as well as key aspects of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) and NCCN Guidelines for Patients®. She will have oversight of the NCCN Biomarkers Compendium®; NCCN Radiation Therapy Compendium™, and NCCN Imaging Appropriate Use Criteria™. Dr. Lewis will also assist with NCCN’s continuing medical education program and with relevant global and policy initiatives.
“I am thrilled to join the NCCN and contribute to its extraordinary legacy of advancing high‑quality cancer care,” said Dr. Lewis. “I look forward to working with NCCN’s exceptional collaborators to tackle emerging challenges and drive innovative solutions that improve the lives of patients everywhere.”
Dr. Lewis will succeed Dr. Denlinger, who previously held the position of CSO before becoming Chief Executive Officer for the organization. Dr. Lewis will assume her new role in May 2026.
