The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has announced the appointment of Renuka Iyer, MD, as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), marking a significant leadership transition for the organization that develops widely used, evidence-based cancer care guidelines. Dr. Iyer, an accomplished oncologist from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, will begin her role on February 26, 2026.
Professional Background and Academic Roles
Dr. Iyer currently serves as Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center an NCCN Member Institution where she is Section Chief of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs in the Department of Medicine, and Medical Director for Medical Oncology across the Roswell Park Care Network. She also holds an academic appointment as Professor of Medicine at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Her training includes medical school at Grant Medical College, University of Mumbai, residency at Cornell University School of Medicine, and fellowship in medical oncology at Roswell Park. She is board certified in internal medicine and oncology and has received recognition from organizations such as the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society, The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. Dr. Iyer has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, and book chapters, with research spanning novel therapies for rare cancers, immunotherapy, biomarkers, and quality-of-life outcomes.
A Strategic Appointment for NCCN
Announcing the appointment, Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer of NCCN, highlighted Dr. Iyer’s longstanding commitment to advancing research and improving cancer care globally. Dr. Iyer has been actively engaged with NCCN for several years, including serving on the NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee since 2023, where she contributes to strategic oversight of guideline development and future direction.
She has also served on the NCCN Guidelines Panels for Occult Primary Cancer and Hepatobiliary Cancers, in addition to contributing to other professional guideline committees.
Role and Responsibilities as CMO
In her new role, Dr. Iyer will provide clinical leadership for the NCCN Guidelines program, which includes 90 clinical practice guidelines covering nearly all cancer types, along with prevention, screening, and supportive care recommendations. These guidelines updated at least annually and often more frequently serve as the gold standard for clinical practice and policy worldwide.
Dr. Iyer will also oversee additional NCCN point-of-care resources, including the NCCN Compendia Library, as well as NCCN’s Continuing Education department and the JNCCN Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Her responsibilities will extend to NCCN’s global programs and health policy activities, supporting the organization’s mission to improve equitable access to high-quality cancer care.
Dr. Iyer’s Perspective
Speaking on her appointment, Dr. Iyer stated that she is honored to join NCCN during a period of rapid progress and innovation in cancer care delivery. After more than two decades in academic oncology, she expressed enthusiasm for contributing to NCCN’s mission and expanding resources that support clinicians, patients, and healthcare systems worldwide.
About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network is a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers marking its 30th year of dedication to improving cancer care through clinical guidelines, research, education, and global collaboration. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology remain the most comprehensive and frequently updated clinical guidelines in medicine and are available in multiple formats, including the interactive NCCN Guidelines Navigator™.
Written by Nare Hovhannisyan , MD