The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), an alliance of leading cancer centers known for publishing free, evidence-based, expert consensus guidelines for cancer prevention and care, has appointed Renuka Iyer, MD, as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
Dr. Iyer brings extensive experience in oncology leadership and innovation. She currently serves as Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, an NCCN member institution. She is also Section Chief of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs in the Department of Medicine at Roswell Park, and Medical Director for Medical Oncology across the Roswell Park Care Network. Additionally, she holds a professorship in Medicine at the Jacobs School of Medicine at the University of Buffalo.
After completing her medical oncology fellowship at Roswell Park, Dr. Iyer earned her medical degree from Grant Medical College, University of Mumbai, followed by residency at Cornell University School of Medicine. She is board certified in internal medicine and oncology and a member of several professional societies. Dr. Iyer has received multiple awards from organizations including the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society, The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. Her research focuses on novel therapies for rare cancers, immunotherapy, biomarkers, and quality of life improvements.
Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, NCCN Chief Executive Officer, stated that Dr. Iyer is well suited to lead the organization’s efforts to improve cancer treatment and outcomes worldwide. She highlighted Dr. Iyer’s commitment to advancing research and translating innovations into practice to enhance patient care.
Since 2023, Dr. Iyer has served on the NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee, providing strategic oversight of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) program. She has also contributed as a panelist for the NCCN Guidelines Panels on Occult Primary Cancer and Hepatobiliary Cancer and participated in other professional guidelines panels.
As NCCN’s CMO, Dr. Iyer will expand her leadership role in the NCCN Guidelines program, which includes 90 guidelines covering nearly every type of cancer, along with prevention, screening, and supportive care. These guidelines are updated regularly and are accessible through multiple platforms, including the interactive NCCN Guidelines Navigator™.
Her responsibilities will also include overseeing additional point-of-care resources based on NCCN Guidelines, managing the Continuing Education department, and supervising the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN). She will engage in global initiatives and policy efforts to further the organization’s mission.
Dr. Iyer expressed her enthusiasm about joining NCCN during a pivotal time of innovation and updates in cancer care information delivery. She looks forward to advancing high-quality cancer care and strengthening NCCN’s impact.
Dr. Renuka Iyer will assume her role as Chief Medical Officer on February 26, 2026.
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