PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has recognized several individuals and contributors with its 2025 awards, celebrating their remarkable commitment to quality, equitable, and accessible cancer care. The awards spotlight achievements that uphold NCCN’s mission of improving global oncology standards.
“We are proud to honor those who champion access to high-quality, high-value, patient-centered cancer care for all people globally,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, CEO of NCCN. “This year’s award recipients have each played a key role in advancing our mission. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration makes them true role models in the world of oncology and beyond.”
The 2025 Excellence in Engagement Awards were presented to two distinguished leaders for their exceptional contributions to NCCN Guidelines® panels.
- Nadeem R. Abu-Rustum, MD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, was honored for his work as Chair of the NCCN Guidelines Panel for Cervical/Uterine Cancers since 2019. Dr. Abu-Rustum, who has been involved with the panel since 2009, is widely acknowledged for his expertise, dedication, and responsiveness, including his efforts to adapt guidelines globally based on varying resource levels. “I am truly honored to receive the 2025 Excellence in Engagement Award,” said Dr. Abu-Rustum. “It has been a privilege to represent Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center through my ongoing work with NCCN and to collaborate with dedicated colleagues from leading cancer centers across the country. Together, we strive to ensure that patients worldwide benefit from high-quality, evidence-based cancer care guidelines. I am very grateful for this wonderful recognition and for the ability to continue to work with the amazing NCCN teams.”
- Louis Burt Nabors, MD, of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was awarded for his role as Chair of the NCCN Guidelines Panel for Central Nervous System Cancers since 2017. Dr. Nabors was commended for his ability to foster collaboration and his international advocacy on behalf of NCCN. “The work done by the NCCN Guidelines Panel for CNS provides a critical platform for community-based oncologists either surgical, medical, or radiation to reference for treating an increasingly diverse collection of diseases,” said Dr. Nabors. “The committee is one of the most collegial and dedicated teams I have worked with; this work is important for any patients and families who are dealing with central nervous system cancers.”
The 2025 Outstanding Contributor Awards recognized two additional honorees for their meaningful work expanding cancer care resources.
- Michael J. Styler, MD, of Fox Chase Cancer Center, and James Thompson, MD, MS, of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, were acknowledged for their dedication to the NCCN Guidelines Panel for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and for their efforts in enhancing the NCCN Chemotherapy Order Templates® library. Dr. Thompson remarked, “I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in multiple different NCCN committees. I think this speaks to the fact that NCCN addresses so many different aspects of what it takes to provide truly effective and comprehensive cancer care, and to what a needed resource NCCN is for cancer patients and clinical specialists in the U.S. and abroad.”
NCCN also recognized Erin Hesler as the 2025 Employee of the Year for her dedication to supporting scientific research and her leadership in numerous extracurricular service projects. “It’s truly an honor to be selected to receive the Employee of the Year award and an even greater honor to work with so many talented individuals at NCCN,” said Hesler. “As a member of the Compendia Program team within the Clinical Information department, I have the privilege of working alongside dedicated scientists, nurses, and pharmacists who are continually striving to fulfill NCCN’s mission and provide the most up-to-date and relevant resources to the oncology community. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this team.”
These honorees embody NCCN’s dedication to advancing cancer care through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision of equitable treatment access for patients worldwide.
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