NCCN Launches Interactive NCCN Guidelines Navigator to Advance Cancer Care Usability
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has launched a transformative digital format for its widely recognized NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines). The newly introduced NCCN Guidelines Navigator delivers evidence-based, expert-driven recommendations via an intuitive, interactive platform designed to enhance usability and improve clinical decision-making across the oncology continuum.
For nearly 3 decades, the NCCN Guidelines have set the global standard for oncology clinical decision-making. NCCN Guidelines Navigator marks a significant evolution in their delivery, offering advanced features that streamline access and improve navigation for busy professionals.
“This is truly the future of cancer treatment guidance,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, chief executive officer of NCCN. “Cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive care that follows internationally-trusted guidelines has been shown time and again to improve outcomes for people with cancer. I’m proud that we’ve achieved our ambitious goal for increasing the accessibility and usability of the content from the NCCN Guidelines without compromising any quality.”
The NCCN Guidelines Navigator offers a comprehensive set of digital tools designed to enhance usability for a wide range of oncology stakeholders, including clinicians, payers, and patients. The platform features seamless navigation through an interactive table of contents and keyword search, along with advanced filtering options and content highlighting to quickly identify relevant care pathways.
Users benefit from visual enhancements such as color-coded links and zoom capabilities, while in-line footnote access and integration with NCCN Templates (available to subscribers) streamline clinical reference. The tool also includes direct links to patient-friendly resources, supports mobile access, and provides built-in tutorials and the ability to download printable PDF versions, making it a versatile and user-centered solution for cancer care guidance.
Access is free for noncommercial use with an NCCN account, furthering the network’s mission to make high-quality cancer care resources universally accessible.
The NCCN Guidelines Navigator is currently available in beta for colon, prostate, and rectal cancers, with rectal cancer pathways published most recently on June 16, 2025. NCCN has committed to releasing all 88 guideline sets in this new format over time, while also maintaining the traditional PDF versions to ensure continuity for users.
Additionally, NCCN recently introduced NCCN Guidelines in Practice, a complementary offering that enables users to earn Continuing Education and Maintenance of Certification (CE/MOC) credits for utilizing the guidelines, regardless of access format.
Looking ahead, NCCN plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support conversational search and increase interoperability across its resources. These enhancements are expected to make oncology guideline navigation even more responsive and aligned with evolving clinical workflows.
The enhanced digital format of the NCCN Guidelines improves clinical workflow and accessibility, offering oncology leaders and pathway developers a more efficient tool for decision-making. Its availability in multiple formats allows for greater adaptability across diverse practice settings. The integration of CE/MOC opportunities supports ongoing professional development, while future plans to incorporate artificial intelligence highlight a forward-looking approach aimed at delivering more intuitive, conversational decision support.
Reference
Trusted oncology guidelines get a digital makeover: National Comprehensive Cancer Network launches NCCN guidelines navigator. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. June 24, 2025. Accessed July 11, 2025. https://www.nccn.org/home/news/newsdetails?NewsId=5117
