PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) recently announced new leadership appointments that promise to bolster its mission of advancing patient-centered cancer care worldwide. Dr. Matt Kalaycio has been elected as Chair of the Board of Directors, with Dr. Christopher H. Lieu stepping into the role of Vice-Chair. These changes come at a critical juncture for the organization, which continues to serve as a pivotal resource in the oncology community.
Under the stewardship of these seasoned professionals, the NCCN aims to further its impact on global cancer care, leveraging the expertise of its board members to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare challenges. In 2023 alone, NCCN’s evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer care were accessed more than 15 million times, underscoring the organization’s significant influence on treatment standards worldwide.
Dr. Kalaycio brings to his new role a wealth of experience in hematology and medical oncology, with a focus on leukemia, hematopoietic cell transplantation, and CAR T-Cell therapy. As Vice-Chair of the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute and a professor at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, his expertise is expected to drive NCCN’s commitment to ensuring cancer patients have access to the latest evidence-based treatment options.
Expressing his eagerness to advance NCCN’s mission, Dr. Kalaycio emphasized the importance of not only informing healthcare providers about available treatments but also providing education and support to patients and their caregivers. His vision for NCCN includes a continued focus on disseminating critical information that can shape patient care protocols globally.
Dr. Lieu, who will serve as Vice-Chair, is an Associate Professor and Co-Director of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. His research into gastrointestinal cancers and novel treatment strategies, including efforts to combat colorectal cancer in young adults, aligns with NCCN’s objectives to innovate and improve cancer care. Dr. Lieu’s involvement with the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology Panel for Neuroendocrine Tumors and the FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee further solidifies his role as a key player in oncology policy and practice.
Both leaders express gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to NCCN’s goals and recognize the organization’s vital role in shaping cancer treatment guidelines. Their appointments follow the tenure of Dr. John W. Sweetenham, who has been lauded for his contributions to improving cancer care through his work with NCCN and his broader career achievements.
As NCCN continues its work, the collective expertise of its board, including Treasurer Patrick J. O’Brien, MBA, from Fox Chase Cancer Center, and Secretary Maria M. Gonzalez, MPH, BS, from Stanford Cancer Institute, ensures a robust governance structure. This leadership team is poised to navigate the evolving landscape of cancer treatment and research, aiming to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and accessibility of cancer care across the globe.
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