The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) convened its 2026 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, gathering over a thousand oncology professionals in person and virtually. The event focused on advancements in cancer prevention and treatment, updates to clinical guidelines, strategies for improving cancer center operations, and discussions on critical issues in care delivery. Key topics included the increasing incidence of cancer in younger adults, global disparities in cancer care, and methods for enhancing efficiency within oncology programs.
Conference Overview
The conference provided a platform for educational sessions and the exchange of ideas among oncology specialists. Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, NCCN CEO, noted that such gatherings facilitate the exchange of ideas, best practices, and new collaborations, contributing to advancements in cancer care.
The event focused on advancements in cancer prevention and treatment, updates to clinical guidelines, strategies for improving cancer center operations, and discussions on critical issues in care delivery.
Focus on Younger Adults with Cancer
A plenary session addressed the rising incidence of cancer diagnoses in individuals under the age of 50. Panel members identified diet, lifestyle, the microbiome, and environmental hazards as contributing factors. Speakers highlighted unique challenges faced by younger patients, including scheduling complexities, financial burdens, potential impacts on family planning and fertility, and social isolation.
The importance of considering long-term side effects and improving early detection for this demographic was emphasized, particularly as some may experience later diagnoses due to age-related screening thresholds and symptom rarity.
Dr. Christopher Lieu, panel moderator, underscored the necessity of multidisciplinary, holistic care teams for early-onset adults, referencing the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) as a resource.
Global Cancer Care Initiatives
A second plenary session focused on worldwide cancer care, noting an increase in cancer rates and disproportionate deaths in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which receive approximately 5% of global cancer funding. Opportunities to improve care identified included standardizing treatments and enhancing prevention through initiatives such as HPV vaccination and increased screening access. Challenges highlighted were funding reductions, fragmented efforts, staffing limitations, and regional resource disparities.
Dr. Anu K. Agrawal called for collaborative action and policy support with practical resources to address global cancer care disparities.
Collaborations such as the International Adaptations of the NCCN Guidelines® for Sub-Saharan Africa and the NCCN Guidelines Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Editions, developed by the African Cancer Coalition, American Cancer Society, and NCCN, were presented as examples of initiatives.
Operational Strategies in Oncology
A new educational track for in-person attendees focused on best practices for oncology program operations. Sessions covered the role of guidelines in addressing care challenges, optimizing academic/community collaborations, artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and governance, and policy insights. Dr. Lawrence N. Shulman noted the high demand for NCCN Guidelines and the growing strain on the oncology workforce, attributed to longer patient lifespans and increased cancer diagnoses.
Discussions on solutions included improving electronic health records (EHRs), leveraging other technologies, and reducing administrative burdens to enhance efficiency within oncology programs.
Research and Clinical Updates
The conference featured over 300 original research abstracts covering diverse topics such as:
- Best Practices
- Bioinformatics/IT
- Case Studies
- Clinical Oncology
- Correlative/Genomic
- Epidemiology/Risks/Prevention
- Outcomes
- Pre-Clinical Oncology
- Quality Improvement
- Trials in Progress
Specific research presented included studies on integrating print-to-web outreach for lung cancer screening, a Phase I study of a Survivin Long Peptide Vaccine for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors, and increasing equitable adherence to lung cancer screening. Past NCCN Foundation® Young Investigator Award winners also presented talks on topics such as precision oncology in osteosarcoma and characterizing peripheral T-cell repertoire in melanoma patients. An abstract on a pilot project utilizing the Health Equity Report Card to assess equitable practices in community care settings was also presented.
Attendees received updates on clinical guidelines for various gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecologic, hematologic, and skin cancers. Other sessions included case study discussions for breast and non-small cell lung cancers, managing immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicities, and clinical applications and trends in AI technology.
Over 300 original research abstracts and updates on clinical guidelines, including applications of AI technology, showcased the breadth of ongoing advancements in oncology.
Future Conference
The next NCCN Annual Conference is scheduled to be held in San Diego, California, from March 19-21, 2027.