Researchers developed a two-pronged approach to encourage important conversations between patients with cancer and their oncologists about goals and preferences for care. The study found that combining reminders for both patients and providers at the right moment significantly increased serious illness conversations.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has launched a new free service providing weekly email updates on changes to evidence-based guidelines for cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive care. The service aims to keep healthcare providers up-to-date with rapidly evolving evidence-based recommendations.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has launched a new version of its Distress Thermometer and Problem List in over 70 languages to screen patients for mental, physical, social, or spiritual distress. The tool aims to enhance cancer care by identifying psychological distress and providing support.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of nine randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of methylphenidate-type psychostimulants in reducing cancer-related fatigue. The study found significant improvements in fatigue scores, with benefits increasing over time.
NCCN staff received awards and publications for advancing quality cancer care, including Dr. Alyssa Schatz's Leadership in Policy, Equity, and Advocacy award and Faviolla Baez-Cruz's publication on biochemical research. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network is recognized for its work to improve outcomes for people with cancer.
The new NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Prostate Cancer Screening provide a comprehensive guide to evidence-based recommendations for age-specific screening. The guidelines aim to balance the benefits of early detection with the risks of unnecessary procedures, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and monitoring.
Nancy L. Lewis, MD, MBS, FACP, a renowned biomedical researcher and clinical trials expert, has been appointed as the new Chief Scientific Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). She will oversee NCCN's programs to advance clinical trials and improve cancer care outcomes globally.
The NCCN Advocacy Academy connects oncology professionals with policymakers to drive evidence-based cancer policy. The program aims to cultivate policy leadership skills among emerging scientists and care providers.
The NCCN Foundation recognizes five young investigators for their promising research on cancer innovation, providing $100,000 grants to advance their work and strengthen the pipeline for cancer success.
The NCCN 2026 Annual Conference emphasized the need for holistic care for adolescents and young adults with cancer, highlighting unique challenges and the importance of supportive services. The conference also addressed global cancer care realities and future strategies, emphasizing the need for collaboration and investment to address ...
Researchers found that patients who followed an exercise prescription while receiving chemotherapy reported fewer problems with thinking and memory and felt less mentally tired. The study suggests that exercise may help people with cancer stay mentally sharp and better able to handle daily tasks.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new guidelines for Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcomas, highlighting the unique characteristics of this childhood cancer. The guidelines focus on rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a subtype with varying genetic changes that influence treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that PSMA PET/CT scans can help guide treatment planning and improve long-term outcomes for patients with recurring prostate cancer. The study suggests that incorporating these scans into routine care may lead to better results and reduced side effects.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has committed to updating its robust information resources for cancer patients and caregivers annually, available in both English and Spanish. The updated resources will provide factual, trustworthy information to guide patients and caregivers towards their best possible outcome.
Veterans and first responders face elevated risk of cancer due to occupational exposures, such as firefighting. Experts call for better access to high-quality cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, including presumptive laws and expanded support services.
Renuka Iyer, a leading oncologist with extensive experience in cancer care and research, has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. She will oversee the development of evidence-based guidelines for cancer prevention and treatment.
A recent study found that team-based clinic participants perceived significant improvements in patient care, whereas technology-based clinic participants saw limited benefits. The study highlights the importance of human interaction and values-centered care in supportive cancer care.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has expanded access to cancer treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa with new international adaptations. The adaptations reflect significant progress in cancer care delivery, including increased access to imaging techniques and biomarker testing.
Researchers found that patients with stage III or IV cancer who quit smoking lived significantly longer than those who continued smoking, with a two-fold lower rate of all-cause mortality. The study's findings emphasize the crucial role of smoking cessation support as part of standard cancer care.
The NCCN Guidelines Navigator now covers treatment for over a dozen cancer types, including hereditary risk assessment, providing seamless navigation and search capabilities. The new format aims to improve treatment decision-making based on the latest evidence and expert-consensus.
Researchers evaluated a tool based on NCCN Guidelines to identify high-risk medications and their association with frailty and outcomes in over 380,000 older adults diagnosed with cancer. The study found that each additional high-risk medication increased the odds of being mildly or moderately-to-severely frail by 66%.
Experts weighed in on the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer care, noting both its potential for improving efficiency and its challenges. Many expressed excitement over AI's possibilities for helping support an overburdened oncology workforce and accelerating the pursuit of new cures.
A study of 62,839 people diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer in Sweden found that those treated according to NCCN Guidelines were likely to survive their cancer for their remaining life-expectancy. Those with low- and intermediate-risk cancer were six times more likely to die of other causes than prostate cancer.
The new NCCN Guidelines Navigator tool offers an interactive platform for accessing evidence-based guidelines, facilitating easier searching and navigation. The initiative aims to improve patient care and outcomes by providing healthcare professionals with up-to-date recommendations.
Experts from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and African Cancer Coalition gathered in Nairobi, Kenya to update NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Sub-Saharan Africa. The meeting aimed to improve cancer care in the region by sharing evidence-based recommendations.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) honors individuals who champion access to high-quality, patient-centered cancer care. This year's recipients include Drs. Nadeem Abu-Rustum and Louis Nabors for their excellence in engagement and dedication to shaping cancer treatment recommendations.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is joining forces with global organizations to address gaps in cancer control plans, promoting data-driven decision-making and comprehensive implementation. The Cancer Planners Forum aims to optimize care for people touched by cancer globally.
The NCCN Policy Summit brought together experts to discuss ways to strengthen collaborative cancer care, from early detection to survivorship. Key findings include the need for better communication and coordination between primary care and oncology providers.
Researchers found significant disparities in quality of care and outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients with higher social vulnerability indices were less likely to receive guideline-concordant systemic therapy, palliative care, or survive over 12 months.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has awarded four early-career oncologists with $150,000 in funding to tackle pressing challenges in cancer care. The recipients will support studies aiming to improve cancer outcomes through molecular residual disease-guided adjuvant therapy and electronic symptom monitoring.
The NCCN 2025 Annual Conference showcased the critical impact of cancer research on improving lives. The conference featured new research, discussions on AI in oncology care, and strategies for ensuring high-quality, person-centered cancer care.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network is joining the global effort to improve awareness and knowledge of cancer risks through its 'United by Unique' campaign. Patient advocates from NCCN guidelines panels are sharing their personal stories to highlight the importance of a people-centered approach in cancer care, which recognizes ev...
The new NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, and Prostate Cancer provide evidence-based recommendations for assessing and testing for inherited genetic mutations. The resource aims to inform individuals about their cancer risks based on personal or family history.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has joined a two-day meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to review updated NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for the MENA region. The guidelines provide evidence-based expert consensus-driven recommendations for cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive care, tailored for uniq...
Experts discuss strategies and best practices for sharing accurate, evidence-based health information with patients and caregivers. The event aimed to empower people with cancer to make informed choices about their care.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is collaborating with leading cancer centers in China to improve cancer treatment and outcomes. NCCN Guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive care, guiding high-quality care globally.
The new NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Quitting Smoking provide critical support and guidance for individuals with cancer seeking to quit smoking. The guidelines offer a fresh perspective and renewed hope, featuring multiple evidence-based options, including nicotine replacement therapy, behavior therapy, and non-nicotine medicines.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has updated its guidelines for genetic/familial high-risk assessment, incorporating the latest scientific research and expert recommendations to enhance screening practices and treatment options. The expanded guidelines cover various cancer types and provide guidance on genetic testing, heredit...
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has joined forces with the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital to create Harmonized Guidelines for Vietnam, a framework for improving and standardizing cancer care in the country. The guidelines are based on NCCN's Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, with modifications to reflect local needs.
International oncology experts have gathered in Accra, Ghana to update cancer treatment recommendations for Sub-Saharan Africa. The NCCN Harmonized Guidelines provide context-appropriate, evidence-based care strategies tailored to the region's unique challenges.
A pilot study by NCCN Cancer Center demonstrates the usability of HERC in advancing equitable cancer care delivery, with all participating sites strongly agreeing on its applicability. The tool features 19 practice evaluation and change recommendations to address disparity and bias in care delivery.
A new study published in JNCCN found that Medicaid expansion was associated with longer survival rates and reduced treatment delays for patients with HR-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer. The study used data from the National Cancer Database to review results for women diagnosed with this type of breast cancer between 2010 and 2018.
Researchers found that omitting the bolus-specific 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) portion from common chemotherapy regimens improves tolerability without sacrificing treatment effectiveness. The study of 11,765 patients shows no decrease in overall survival but a notable reduction in cytopenias.
Researchers developed a nine-week, phone-delivered positive psychology program called PATH to improve psychological well-being in blood cancer patients. The intervention had promising effects on patient-reported outcomes, with high participation and completion rates.
The summit aimed to improve care for people with cancer by discussing knowledge gaps, societal stigma, and shifting policies. Experts emphasized the importance of education about sexual and reproductive health in cancer treatment.
The PRECEDE study found that nearly 80% of participants in the highest-risk cohort completed baseline imaging, highlighting the feasibility of improving early detection and prevention for pancreatic cancer. Researchers recommend sorting individuals into three groups based on family history and genetic mutations to tailor surveillance.
The NCCN 2024 Annual Conference shared updates on improving cancer care worldwide, including plenary sessions on drug shortages and hereditary cancer risk. Key takeaways include the need for transparency around oncology supply chains and the importance of genetic testing to reduce cancer risk.
A recent study published in JNCCN found that patients from underrepresented groups treated with first-line immunotherapy for advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) showed similar survival outcomes as their White counterparts. The study analyzed data from 248 patients and highlighted the need for more diverse patient representation...
New research suggests that vitamin D supplements can reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy in patients undergoing paclitaxel treatment. The study found that patients with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to experience severe neuropathy, and that inducing vitamin D deficiency caused similar symptoms in a mice model study.
A new study published in JNCCN found that intensive local-regional treatment to remove as much tumor as possible did not significantly impact overall quality of life for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the treatment was associated with a higher risk of adverse events.