Agenda-NP - NCCN 2026 Annual Conference

In-Person & Virtual Event

Register for this full-day program filled with CNE-certified sessions! Engage in case-based learning and expert-led discussions and strengthen your clinical decision-making and patient advocacy skills.

Speakers

Accreditation

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AGENDA

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast and Registration

8:00 AM – 8:05 AM

Opening Remarks

Amanda E. Visnick, RN, BSN, OCN

National Comprehensive Cancer Network

8:05 AM – 8:50 AM

The Experience of Early Phase Clinical Trial Participants

Debra Lundquist, PhD, RN

Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute

Learning Objectives:
- Explain the purpose, design, and therapeutic focus of early-phase clinical trials, including recent advances in efficacy and safety.
- Assess the challenges experienced by people with cancer participating in early-phase trials, particularly those with advanced disease and limited standard-of-care options.
- Integrate principles of early palliative and supportive care into nursing practice to optimize quality of life, facilitate access to novel therapies, and enhance the overall clinical trial experience for people with cancer.

8:55 AM – 9:40 AM

Screening for More than Cancer: Social Determinants of Health Assessments in the Infusion Suite Using the NCCN Distress Thermometer

Lorena Delgado, MSN, RN, OCN

Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania

Johanna Rochat, BSN, RN, OCN

Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania

Learning Objectives:
- Define health equity and its relationship to social determinants of health (SDOH) in oncology.
- Identify key factors within SDOH that can impact cancer treatment outcomes and patient well-being.
- Explain the benefits and applications of the NCCN Distress Thermometer for addressing both distress and SDOH in the infusion suite.

9:40 AM – 9:55 AM

Break

9:55 AM – 10:40 AM

Gastric and Esophageal Cancers: Clinical Updates and Nursing Implications**

Molly Nestor, MSN, FNP-C, AOCNP

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Learning Objectives:
- Identify emerging therapies for patients with either esophageal or gastric cancer.
- Identify nursing interventions in the care of patients receiving newer immunotherapies and targeted therapies.
- Understand the impact the nursing role will have on quality of life and patient outcomes in this setting.

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM

Radiating Care: The Nurse’s Role in Guiding Patients Through Radiation for Head and Neck Cancers

Rochelle Jackson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

UT Southwestern Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the radiation treatment modalities used in head and neck cancers.
- Review the most common side effects associated with radiation therapy in head and neck cancers.
- Apply nursing interventions to best support patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.

11:35 AM – 12:20 PM

The Role of Accurate Antineoplastic Drug Administration in Optimizing Patient-Centered Cancer Care**

MiKaela Olsen, DNP, APRN-CNS, AOCNS, FAAN

Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center

Learning Objectives:
- Understand the critical importance of accurate drug administration in the oncology setting and become familiarized with the most up-to-date best practices.
- Identify different routes and techniques of administration of antineoplastic drugs as newer therapies are becoming available.
- Recognize the obstacles that oncology nurses face when trying to administer full doses of small drug volumes and learn ways to work with the interprofessional team to improve the drug delivery process that enhances patient and nurse safety, improves patient wait times and prevents suboptimal dosing.

12:20 PM – 1:20 PM

Lunch

1:20 PM – 2:05 PM

An Oncology-Specific Outpatient Perioperative Department: What an Extended Recovery Unit Can Offer Post Surgery

Megan Hunter, BSN, RN, CCRN

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center -
James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute

Justin Kelly, MHI, BSN, RN, CCRN, RHIA, CL IV

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute

Heather O’Neal, MHI, BSN, RN, OCN, CL IV

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute

Learning Objectives:
- Describe the Extended Recovery Unit (ERU) model.
- Identify specialized training required for oncology nurses working in extended recovery units.
- Discuss the impact of extended recovery units on patient outcomes, hospital bed shortages and post-operative workflows.

2:10 PM – 2:55 PM

Difficult Discussions in Oncology Nursing: Tools, Techniques and Compassion

Carey Ramirez, DNP, ANP-C, ACHPN

City of Hope National Medical Center

Learning Objectives:
- Identify barriers to therapeutic communication.
- Recognize and respond to a wide range of emotions fostered by the patient and their caregivers.
- Incorporate communication models and strategies to navigate challenging interactions.

2:55 PM – 3:00 PM

Closing Remarks

Amanda E. Visnick, RN, BSN, OCN

National Comprehensive Cancer Network

3:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Free Time

6:30 PM – 7:45 PM

NCCN Fellows and Nursing Program Reception

Connect with colleagues and NCCN leaders at this pre-conference networking reception.

Available for in-person attendees only. Sponsored by Genentech.

**Sessions eligible for pharmacotherapeutic contact hours for nurses.

All times listed as Eastern Daylight Time (UTC/GMT -4).