The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a leading alliance of cancer centers that publishes evidence-based guidelines for cancer prevention and care, has appointed Renuka Iyer, MD, as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
Dr. Iyer currently serves as a Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, a member institution of NCCN. 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. In addition, she holds a professorship at the Jacobs School of Medicine at the University of Buffalo.
Trained in medical oncology at Roswell Park, Dr. Iyer received 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 has been recognized with awards from the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society, The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. Her research interests include novel therapies for rare cancers, immunotherapy, biomarkers, and quality of life. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to numerous abstracts and book chapters.
Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer of NCCN, welcomed Dr. Iyer’s appointment, highlighting her commitment to advancing research and improving patient care. “Renuka is the perfect person to lead efforts that impact cancer treatment and outcomes globally,” Denlinger said. “Her career-long dedication to innovation and practical application aligns with NCCN’s mission to enhance access to high-quality, patient-centered cancer care.”
Since 2023, Dr. Iyer has served on the NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee, providing strategic oversight for the organization’s Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology program. She has contributed as a panelist for guidelines related to Occult Primary Cancer and Hepatobiliary Cancer and participated in guidelines panels for other professional organizations.
As CMO, Dr. Iyer will lead the NCCN Guidelines program, which encompasses 90 guidelines covering nearly every cancer type, prevention, screening, and supportive care. These guidelines are updated regularly and are accessible through various formats, including the interactive NCCN Guidelines Navigator™. Her responsibilities will also include oversight of the NCCN Compendia Library, the Continuing Education department, the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN), and involvement in global and policy initiatives.
Dr. Iyer expressed enthusiasm about joining NCCN in this leadership role. “I am honored to take on this role at a time of significant advancements and opportunities to innovate how cancer care information is delivered,” she said. “After 21 years in academic oncology, I look forward to advancing high-quality cancer care and furthering NCCN’s mission.”
Dr. Renuka Iyer will officially assume her role as NCCN Chief Medical Officer on February 26, 2026.
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