NRG Oncology, a pivotal entity within the National Cancer Institute’s National Clinical Trials Network, has announced strategic changes in its leadership that promise to propel cancer research and treatment innovation into new realms. These appointments underscore NRG Oncology’s commitment to advancing multi-institutional collaborative research and translating scientific breakthroughs directly into clinical practice for adults facing cancer. The incoming leaders bring a blend of pioneering research, clinical acumen, and visionary leadership that is expected to shape the future landscape of oncology.
One of the most significant changes is the appointment of Dr. Vinai Gondi as the Chair of the NRG Brain Tumor Committee, effective March 1, 2026. Dr. Gondi, a renowned radiation oncologist and clinician-scientist, specializes in brain tumors, including primary and metastatic lesions. His innovative work on hippocampal avoidance during whole-brain radiotherapy (HA-WBRT) has revolutionized neuro-oncological treatments by minimizing cognitive decline, a common side effect of conventional brain radiation. This technique, tested in landmark clinical trials such as RTOG 0933 and NRG-CC001, exemplifies how precise targeting in radiation oncology can preserve neurological function without compromising tumor control.
Dr. Gondi’s role as Service Line Director of Radiation Oncology at Northwestern Medicine’s Proton Center showcases his expertise in proton therapy, an advanced modality that uses charged particles to deliver radiation with high precision, sparing healthy tissue and reducing toxicity. His leadership in NCI-sponsored phase II and III trials has advanced understanding of both survival benefits and neurocognitive outcomes in brain tumor patients, underscoring the critical balance between therapeutic effectiveness and quality of life. His contributions have also influenced national guidelines through major professional societies including ASTRO, ASCO, and SNO, making him a cornerstone figure in neuro-oncology.
Assuming the Chair position of the NRG Ancillary Projects Committee is Dr. Bridget Koontz, effective November 1, 2025. Dr. Koontz is a distinguished radiation oncologist whose research focuses on genitourinary malignancies, particularly prostate cancer. Her investigations into radiation-induced erectile dysfunction have provided vital insights into minimizing treatment-related toxicity while preserving sexual function, an area of growing importance given the long survivorship of prostate cancer patients. Moreover, she has been at the forefront of research into novel radiopharmaceuticals and the therapeutic challenge of oligometastatic prostate cancer, influencing national clinical trial designs and protocols.
Dr. Koontz’s leadership experience encompasses roles as Medical Director at AdventHealth Cancer Institute and former Chief Medical Officer at GenesisCare USA, highlighting her operational and clinical expertise in radiation oncology services. As Principal Investigator of the ongoing NRG-GU011 “NRG PROMETHEAN” trial, she steers efforts to optimize radiotherapy in patients with limited metastatic disease. Her role embodies the integration of clinical leadership with cutting-edge research aimed at refining personalized cancer therapy.
Dr. Priya Rastogi is set to take the helm as Chair of the NRG Breast Cancer Committee starting March 1, 2026. A professor at the University of Pittsburgh and chief executive of the NSABP Foundation, Dr. Rastogi brings over two decades of experience in medical oncology with a focus on early-stage breast cancer treatment. Her leadership in Phase II and III trials has been instrumental in the adoption of therapies such as trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer and abemaciclib for hormone receptor-positive disease, therapies that have significantly improved survival outcomes.
Her extensive involvement with international research organizations and steering committees reflects her influence on shaping clinical trial design and guidelines. Dr. Rastogi’s dual role as a clinician and researcher allows her to bridge the gap between laboratory research and bedside applications. Her presence on the NRG Board of Directors and auxiliary committees further exemplifies her commitment to fostering translational research that prioritizes patient-centered outcomes.
The appointment of Lisa Lenrow, MBA, as Vice Chair of the NRG Patient Advocate Committee marks an important infusion of patient-centered leadership into the organization. With over 25 years of expertise in biopharmaceutical marketing and patient engagement strategies, Ms. Lenrow’s unique perspective as both a strategic consultant and a caregiver to a brain tumor patient provides her with unparalleled insight into patient advocacy. Her involvement with organizations such as the National Brain Tumor Society and institutional review boards ensures that patient voices are integral to clinical research design and implementation.
Ms. Lenrow’s work extends beyond traditional marketing into health policy, grant review, and public advocacy, demonstrating the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in oncology research. Her contributions help balance scientific pursuits with the lived realities of patients and caregivers, an essential element in enhancing clinical trial accessibility and relevance.
These leadership transitions reflect NRG Oncology’s strategic emphasis on integrating cutting-edge scientific research with patient-centered care delivery. The incoming chairs bring expertise in radiation oncology, medical oncology, translational research, and advocacy, positioning the organization to tackle complex problems in cancer therapy—from neurocognitive preservation in brain tumors to minimizing toxicity in genitourinary cancers, and improving survival in breast cancer.
The outgoing leaders—Dr. Minesh Mehta (Brain Tumor), Dr. Eleftherios ‘Terry’ Mamounas (Breast Cancer), and Dr. Steven Waggoner (Ancillary Projects)—have left a lasting legacy in shaping the committees’ robust research frameworks. Their dedication fostered pivotal clinical trials and collaborative networks that continue to underpin NRG Oncology’s mission.
NRG Oncology remains at the forefront of oncology research as a multi-institutional network conducting translational and clinical studies that directly impact standards of care. Founded in 2012 through the consolidation of the NSABP, RTOG, and GOG programs, NRG brings together a multidisciplinary team spanning medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, physicists, pathologists, and statisticians across more than 1,300 sites worldwide. This comprehensive network facilitates the development of gender-specific and locality-driven cancer interventions, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of treatments.
The evolving leadership will harness this extensive infrastructure, pushing forward investigations with practical clinical endpoints such as survival, toxicity reduction, and quality of life improvements. Their work exemplifies the translation of scientific discovery into tangible benefits for cancer patients and exemplifies the promise of collaborative, multi-center clinical trials under the aegis of the National Cancer Institute’s National Clinical Trials Network.
As these leaders assume their new roles, NRG Oncology’s trajectory towards groundbreaking cancer research and patient-centric innovation is assured. These developments signal exciting advancements for oncology professionals, researchers, and patients globally, fueling hope for more effective, less toxic treatment paradigms in the years to come.
Subject of Research: Leadership changes in oncology research committees; advancements in brain tumor, genitourinary, and breast cancer clinical trials; patient advocacy in cancer research.
Article Title: Transforming Cancer Care: NRG Oncology’s New Leadership Poised to Advance Clinical Research and Patient Outcomes
News Publication Date: Not specified within the provided content.
Web References:
https://www.nrgoncology.org/Current-Openings
Keywords: Cancer research, Clinical research, Brain tumor, Neuro-oncology, Radiation oncology, Prostate cancer, Breast cancer, Clinical trials, Patient advocacy, National Cancer Institute, Neurocognitive outcomes, Radiopharmaceuticals
