Company Profile

Company Overview

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a not-for-profit alliance of 21 of the world’s leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. The primary goal of all NCCN initiatives is to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice so patients can live better lives.


NCCN Mission

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is dedicated to improving care along the continuum of cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. An alliance of 21 of the world’s leading cancer centers, NCCN communicates sound, evaluative clinical information to enhance the decision-making processes of patients, physicians, and others who influence access to and the choice of cancer care.


NCCN Programs and Resources

NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™)

The NCCN Guidelines™ - the recognized standard for clinical policy in oncology - are the most comprehensive and most frequently updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. Covering 97 percent of all patients with cancer and updated on a continual basis, the NCCN Guidelines are developed through an explicit review of the evidence integrated with expert medical judgment and recommendations by multidisciplinary panels from NCCN Member Institutions. There are 44 individual panels, comprising nearly 900 clinicians and oncology researchers from the 21 NCCN Member Institutions and their affiliates. Specific treatment recommendations are implemented through performance measurement. NCCN Guidelines Panels address cancer detection, prevention and risk reduction, workup and diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.

NCCN Guidelines have become the most widely used guidelines in oncology practice and have been requested by cancer care professionals in more than 115 countries. There has also been substantial international interest in translating the NCCN Guidelines into a variety of languages. Select NCCN Guidelines have been translated into Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.



NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium (NCCN Compendium™)

Based directly on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™), the NCCN Compendium™ contains authoritative, scientifically derived information designed to support decision-making about the appropriate use of drugs and biologics in patients with cancer. The NCCN Compendium is now recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and UnitedHealthcare, along with other insurers, as an authoritative reference for oncology coverage policy. Managed care medical directors, pharmacy benefits directors, and other health care professionals also reference the NCCN Compendium when making decisions that impact patient access to appropriate therapy. The uses identified are based upon evaluation of evidence from scientific literature integrated with expert judgment in an evidence-based process. Indicated uses are categorized in a systematic approach that describes the type of evidence available for and the degree of consensus underlying each recommendation. All recommendations (at all category levels) in the NCCN Compendium constitute appropriate, medically-necessary care. The NCCN Compendium lists both FDA-approved uses and appropriate uses beyond the FDA-approved label.

NCCN Chemotherapy Order Templates (NCCN Templates™)


NCCN is developing a library of chemotherapy order templates to improve the safe and effective use of drugs and biologics in cancer care. The information contained in the NCCN Templates™ is based on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) and the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium™. The NCCN Templates include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, supportive care agents, monitoring parameters, and safety instructions. Special instructions for self-administered chemotherapeutic agents are also provided.

NCCN Templates enhance patient safety by allowing health care providers to standardize patient care, reduce medication errors, and anticipate and manage adverse events.

National, Regional, and International Educational Conferences and Symposia

NCCN Annual Conference: Clinical Practice Guidelines & Quality Cancer Care™

The NCCN Annual Conference: Clinical Practice Guidelines & Quality Cancer Care™ attracts more than 1,700 registrants from across the United States and the globe including oncologists (in both community and academic settings), oncology fellows, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care professionals involved in the care of patients with cancer. Respected opinion leaders present the latest cancer therapies and provide updates on selected NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™), the data upon which the NCCN Guidelines™ are based, and quality initiatives in oncology. Topics change annually but focus on the major cancers and supportive care areas. The NCCN Annual Conference also includes case study discussion forums with experts from NCCN Member Institutions and roundtable discussions featuring the foremost professionals from the academic, patient advocacy, government, payor, industry, and business realms of cancer care.

NCCN Annual Congress: Hematologic Malignancies™

Treatment of hematologic malignancies is increasingly complex. Issues relating to pathology, transplantation, and various new therapies require oncologists and hematologists to stay abreast of breakthrough advances. In addition, targeted therapies and oral treatments bring the latest benefits to patients. This program focuses on new approaches that have been incorporated into patient management, including the use of drugs, biologics, and diagnostics. At the 2009 NCCN Congress, agenda topics included the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) for Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas, as well as Supportive Care for Patients with Hematologic Malignancies.

NCCN Congress Series

The NCCN Congress Series provides a comprehensive analysis of the evidence and clinical decision-making that result in the development of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ (NCCN Guidelines™). Content is offered both through on-site meetings and in webinar format. The programs are free to physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care related professionals and offers continuing education credits for physicians (CME) and nurses (CE).

NCCN Guidelines Update Webinar Series™

The NCCN Guidelines Update Webinar Series™ is designed to quickly communicate significant updates to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™). These live webinars consist of a presentation by an NCCN Guidelines™ Panel Member, as well as an interactive question and answer period for participants. During the webinars there is discussion of the issues considered by the NCCN Guidelines Panels that resulted in changes to the NCCN Guidelines, new data is compared with existing standards of care, and significant studies that supported modification of the NCCN Guidelines Panels recommendations are reviewed.

NCCN Academy for Excellence & Leadership in Oncology™
School of Pharmaceutical & Biotech Business

Through this interactive program, pharmaceutical and biotech professionals will learn from key stakeholders what they view to be the most pressing issues in oncology today and how to apply this knowledge to create mutually-successful working relationships. Further, they will hear thought leaders discuss how their decisions and programs are shaped by certain types of information and data. NCCN Academy features modules that focus on real-world trends including policy, coverage, reimbursement, informational, and operational issues in oncology presented by dynamic experts in the field. Experienced professionals from marketing, sales, medical affairs, clinical research, policy and government affairs, and other business areas within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries gather valuable insights to developing effective
strategies for navigating the various constituencies in cancer care and are better able to serve their customers upon completion of this program.

NCCN Oncology Research Best Practices Conference™

The NCCN Oncology Research Best Practices Conference is a two-day conference focused on educating participants in the regulatory aspects of research and identifying areas in the clinical trial process where improvements can be made. This conference is designed to be interactive through the use of panel discussions and smaller breakout sessions. Ample opportunities exist for attendees to network with peers and to get important questions and concerns addressed throughout the two-day session. Program attendees are able to: identify best practices for improving the operational processes related to conducting oncology research including contracting, budgeting, resource allocation, adverse event reporting, benchmarking, and data management and monitoring; identify best practices for maintaining and improving regulatory compliance in oncology research on federal, state, and local levels; and discuss tools and resources to improve oncology research processes.

NCCN Patient Safety Summit

The NCCN Patient Safety Summit creates a forum for administrators from NCCN Member Institutions to share experiences and discuss best practices in oncology patient safety, a topic that has long been recognized as an integral component of high-quality medical care. In the past decade, the spotlight on safety in medicine has only become brighter. The stakes are especially high in oncology, and avoiding error is imperative in delivering chemotherapy and other high-risk treatments.

NCCN International Programs

NCCN develops additional and expanded symposia to international audiences of medical professionals in oncology. NCCN has presented the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) and supporting data at interactive educational programs in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, China; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Additionally, regional experts present information about their patient populations and respective management approaches to the disease states.

On the global stage, NCCN addresses areas such as screening, staging, and therapeutic strategies for tumor types as well as supportive care options. Multidisciplinary management approaches to certain oncologic diseases are discussed by medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiation oncologists from world-recognized NCCN Member Institutions and leading foreign cancer centers.

NCCN regularly collaborates with international organizations to create and distribute translations of the NCCN Guidelines, which may include modifications representative of metabolic differences in populations, technological considerations, and regulatory status of agents used in cancer management, such as availabilities of drugs, biologics, devices, and procedures.

JNCCN – The Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

More than 22,000 oncologists and other cancer care professionals across the United States read JNCCN – The Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. This peer-reviewed, indexed medical journal, edited by Harold J. Burstein, MD, PhD, provides the latest information about best clinical practices, oncology outcomes, and new research initiatives.
JNCCN features updates on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™), timely reviews and commentaries elaborating on guideline recommendations and expanding on important themes and emerging practices, and health services and clinical research papers. JNCCN’s goal is to improve the quality of cancer care by addressing oncology practice for all disease stages and presentations. Content covers the entire spectrum of oncologic health care, from prevention and screening to treatment and supportive care.

JNCCN is dedicated to improving the quality of cancer care locally, nationally, and internationally while enhancing the collaboration between academic medicine and the community physician. JNCCN is further committed to sharing outstanding clinical practices and insights by contributing to the creation of excellence in cancer care for more people and reporting rigorous outcomes data collected and analyzed by the experts from the world’s leading care centers.

NCCN Oncology Research Program (ORP)

The NCCN Oncology Research Program (ORP) is organized to obtain funding to support scientifically meritorious research projects at the NCCN Member Institutions. Policies and standards for the program were set by the NCCN Investigator Steering Committee, a group comprised of senior research physicians appointed by each NCCN Member Institution. The NCCN ORP has received $21.9 million in research grants from major pharmaceutical companies to support investigator-initiated trials. These trials explore new venues of clinical investigation that answer important scientific questions. Studies evaluate innovative combinations and sequencing regimens of drugs, drug resistance, mechanisms of action of specific agents, or explore extended uses for specific agents.

NCCN Oncology Outcomes Database

The NCCN Oncology Outcomes Database is a network-based data collection, reporting, and analytic system that contains expansive data on drug/biologic and diagnostics utilization and trends; specific indications and sequencing; toxicity and reasons for discontinuation; complications and medical events; progression free and overall survival; comparative effectiveness and resource consumption; and payer-specific data.

The concept for the NCCN Database was established in 1996, and the operation of the first database in breast cancer followed in July of 1997. With the NCCN Oncology Outcomes Database, NCCN seeks to implement the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) through performance measurement.

The objectives for data collection and reporting are to:
• Describe the patterns of care within NCCN Member Institutions
• Measure concordance of practice in NCCN Member Institutions with NCCN Guidelines™ recommendations
• Evaluate the outcomes of such practice patterns
• Deliver benchmarked data to participating NCCN Member Institutions, practicing physicians, and NCCN Guidelines Panels to facilitate the continuous improvement of the quality of cancer care
• Identify the most efficient and cost-effective strategies for the management of common oncologic conditions
• Offer benchmarking capabilities to NCCN Member Institutions that compare network data, institutional data, and, eventually, community data
• Create a major research resource and repository of data for clinical and health service researchers to access and derive hypothesis generated analyses

Presently, the NCCN Oncology Outcomes Database has five active database components: breast, colon/rectal, non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, non-small cell lung, and ovarian.

NCCN Resource Tool: Risk Evaluation & Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for Clinicians

In response to recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actions, NCCN has dedicated pages on both NCCN.org and NCCN.com to serve as reference tools for clinicians and patients seeking more information about drugs and biologics requiring Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). REMS are strategies intended to assess adverse risks associated with particular drugs and biologics. These types of analyses, which traditionally fell under the jurisdiction of private sponsors and companies, are now coming to drug manufacturers in the form of FDA mandates. The current REMS clinician page at NCCN.org lists agents used in oncology care that have an FDA-approved REMS, including those for active treatment and those used for supportive care.

NCCN Member Institution Profiles™
A reference guide for cancer case managers

NCCN Member Institution Profiles™ is an informational resource for case managers that is designed to facilitate appropriate decision making about the management and referral of all cancer cases, including those that involve complex, aggressive, or uncommon cancers. The NCCN Member Institution Profiles™ references the areas of expertise, pediatric oncology specialties, and programs in genetic testing and counseling at each NCCN Member Institution. Additional information includes a glossary of terms derived from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) and the National Cancer Institute. NCCN Member Institution Profiles™ also provides information on how to schedule an appointment at each NCCN Member Institution and how to receive information about current clinical trials.

Managed Care Collaborations

NCCN collaborates with managed care organizations and insurance companies to facilitate patient access to NCCN Member Institutions and to improve the quality and outcome of care delivered to patients with cancer. NCCN works with payors to ensure that patients have access to the expert and specialized services available at these leading cancer centers. NCCN aims to facilitate this process so that patients and health professionals can benefit from NCCN Member Institutions’ commitment to providing the highest quality cancer care.

NCCN has active initiatives in place with UnitedHealthcare, OptumHealth, BlueCross BlueShield Association, and Humana. NCCN collaborates with these organizations on programs related to quality, coverage, reimbursement, and outcomes in cancer care.


NCCN Oncology Case Management Program™

NCCN offers oncology case management education programs designed to meet the needs of case managers and medical directors in managed care organizations. The program highlights the comprehensive cancer care delivered by NCCN Member Institutions. Program participants are educated on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) and the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium (NCCN Compendium™). Other topics covered include, an overview of oncology care today with an emphasis on complex cancers, communicating with patients with cancer and addressing end-of-life issues, emerging pharmaceutical and technology issues in cancer care, and understanding clinical trials. Content is offered at on-site meetings and via webinar. NCCN offers continuing education credits for nurses (CEU), case managers (CCM), and physicians (CME). NCCN also provides overviews of the “big four” cancers: breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers. These 90-minute presentations are offered as webinars.

NCCN Insights™: Analytics, Research & Consulting

Through several new tools and services, NCCN provides insight, research, and analysis on oncology practice patterns and key issues in the cancer environment, as well as immediate notification of NCCN information product updates at the time of publication.

NCCN Trends™ Surveys & Data

NCCN Trends™ is a new survey-based data and analytics tool from NCCN that researches
how clinicians in the United States and abroad deliver cancer care. NCCN Trends™ Surveys
research questions about patterns of care and preferences for use of diagnostics, drugs and
biologics, and other cancer treatment modalities.

Data is gathered by sending brief electronic surveys to the thousands of clinicians who use the NCCN website to access information. These clinicians include practicing physicians in diverse practice settings, such as academic/research cancer centers, community hospitals, and private practices. NCCN Trends™ Surveys and Data are independent of any NCCN clinical recommendations or guidelines. Participants in the surveys receive a summary of survey results that offer insight into their own practice.

NCCN Oncology Insights Reports™

NCCN Oncology Insights Reports™ bring expertise and depth of knowledge in cancer care to audiences who need to access timely and relevant insight on oncology policy, economics, and market changes. These reports bring together clinical knowledge, policy and economic analysis, qualitative research, and quantitative data with the goal of providing comprehensive and up-to-date information on current factors, emerging trends, and future directions influencing the oncology environment.

NCCN Flash Updates™

NCCN Flash Updates™ is a new service from NCCN that provides timely access to updated and new information that appears in the published NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) and NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium (NCCN Compendium™). These update notifications are delivered straight to subscribers’ inboxes.


NCCN eBulletin Newsletter

NCCN eBulletin is an electronic newsletter delivered every other Monday to all registered users of NCCN.org. NCCN eBulletin features articles on topics including clinical and operational trends in the delivery of cancer care and the oncology health policy environment, notification of recent updates to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™), and links to notable advances in treatment and research at the NCCN Member Institutions.

NCCN.org

NCCN.org is a valuable resource for clinical professionals and other health care decision-makers who rely on the website for access to the latest updates to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™), the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium (NCCN Compendium™), and the NCCN Chemotherapy Order Templates (NCCN Templates™). Clinical professionals can also register for educational events and resources; complete online continuing education programs; learn about the most recent developments at NCCN; and order NCCN resources including pocket-sized versions of NCCN Guidelines™, the Complete Library of NCCN Guidelines on CD-ROM, and accredited materials such as archived presentations on CD-ROM. Comprehensive information about NCCN Member Institutions is available along with links to the websites of each NCCN Member Institution. Links are also provided to connect clinical professionals and other health care decision-makers to NCCN.com – a website devoted to patients, caregivers, and their families.

NCCN.com

NCCN.com is a website devoted to patients, caregivers, and their families, developed by NCCN. It is the only patient-oriented cancer website based on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™), which set the standard of care for clinicians around the globe. The goal of NCCN.com is to provide valuable, cancer-related resources for patients and survivors, as well as their caregivers, families, and friends. NCCN.com affords patients basic information that serves them through treatment and beyond. NCCN, the world’s leading authority for cancer information for clinicians, is now just a click away for patients and caregivers.

This website helps patients, survivors, families, and friends to:
• Use the NCCN Treatment Summaries for People with Cancer™ to make treatment decisions for both early and late-stage disease
• Locate financial, prescription, and other kinds of assistance for cancer care
• Understand insurance and find the best types of insurance plans
• Manage fatigue and other symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment
• Understand basic information about cancer
• Promote their own health, including a healthful diet
• Learn how to talk to people, including their doctors, about their cancer
• Live well with, and after, cancer