The National Comprehensive Cancer Network announced new international collaborations in October 2026 to publish localized clinical practice guidelines for the Philippines. The initiative aims to standardize cancer treatment recommendations across the region.
International Adaptations Unveiled in Montreal and Manila
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network—an alliance of leading academic cancer centers in the United States—outlined these projects during participation in two global conferences. The first event was the International Gynecologic Cancer Society annual global meeting held in Montreal from October 1 to October 3, 2026. The second was a joint summit hosted by the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, the Department of Health, and the network during the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology annual scientific meeting in Manila from October 6 to October 9, 2026.
Crystal S. Denlinger, Chief Executive Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, stated that joint efforts in the Philippines reflect a shared commitment to improving access to appropriate cancer care, reducing treatment disparities, and strengthening oncology practice through proven guidance. By working with regional experts to regionally tailor guidelines, the organization combines expertise to provide evidence-based recommendations suited for regional clinical settings.
Philippine Cancer Guidelines Target Major Disease Categories
The new guidelines for the Philippines reflect close collaborations between the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, and the Society of Gynecological Oncologists of the Philippines, with support from the International Gynecologic Cancer Society. Planned adaptations cover several major disease categories. Collaborations with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology focus on B-cell lymphomas, breast cancer, colon cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and rectal cancer. Collaborations involving the Society of Gynecological Oncologists of the Philippines and the International Gynecologic Cancer Society focus on cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. All finalized guidelines will be available for free on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network global portal in the months ahead.
Integration Under the National Integrated Cancer Control Act
On October 6, 2026, the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, the Department of Health, and the U.S. network hosted a high-level meeting to focus on the adaptation process and critical strategies for integrating localized guidelines into national health policies and programs under the National Integrated Cancer Control Act. Highlighting global implementation models, the network was joined by Professor Jacek Jassem of the Medical University of Gdańsk, who shared insights from Poland’s experience in developing and implementing local guidelines.
Hiyasmin A. Alejandro, Vice President of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology and co-lead of the adaptation project, noted that developing regionally tailored guidelines allows clinical standards to integrate with local expertise and the regulatory environment. Doris Benavides, immediate past president of the Society of Gynecological Oncologists of the Philippines, added that adapting recommendations for gynecologic cancers gives local specialists evidence-based tools grounded in the realities of practice across various regions of the country.
Global Expansion of Gynecologic Cancer Guidelines
There are currently more than 90 international adaptations of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and more than 180 different translations across numerous languages worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Guidelines
How will the localized guidelines be distributed to healthcare providers?
All of the adapted National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines for the Philippines will be available for free on the official global portal in the months following their release.
Which local medical societies are partnering on gynecologic cancer adaptations?
The Society of Gynecological Oncologists of the Philippines is partnering on adaptations for cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers with support from the International Gynecologic Cancer Society.
What legislative framework supports the integration of these guidelines in the Philippines?
The adaptation process and integration strategies align with national health policies and programs established under the National Integrated Cancer Control Act.