Meet the innovators shaping the future of oncology
The touchONCOLOGY Future Leaders 2026 have been nominated by the oncology community to recognize the rising stars shaping the future of cancer care. These clinicians, researchers and innovators are driving progress across the specialty — from advancing clinical practice to challenging convention and improving patient outcomes.
Discover the individuals set to redefine cancer care in the years ahead. Meet our Future Leaders and learn their stories.
Elisa Agostinetto
Institut Jules Bordet • Belgium
Breast cancer
It is an exciting time to be an oncologist, with new treatments constantly reshaping guidelines and improving patient survival
→ Learn more about Dr Elisa Agostinetto on mentorship, diversity and shaping breast cancer care
Rahat Ul Ain
The Children’s Hospital Lahore • Pakistan
CNS tumors • Hodgkin lymphoma
The gratitude of patients and their families is what makes this work truly fulfilling
→ Read more about Dr Rahat Ul Ain on the value of mentorship, persistence and striving for excellence
Daniela Di Carlo
University of Padua • Italy
Paediatric oncology
What truly matters is staying aligned with your values and listening to your inner voice. Follow your own path, even when it doesn’t look like everyone else’s journey.
→ Learn more about Dr Daniela Di Carlo on aligning personal values with patient-centered care
Soniya Dulal
BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences • Nepal
Advocacy • Policy
The future of oncology depends on collaboration across borders and contexts… Building local capacity is as important as advancing global science.
→ Learn more about Dr Soniya Dulal on global collaboration and transforming oncology care in Nepal
Bishal Gyawali
Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada • Nepal
Gastrointestinal oncology • Policy
A patient remembers not just the facts, but how those facts were delivered – communication can change everything
→ Read more about Dr Bishal Gyawali on curiosity, communication and global oncology
Darren Haywood
University of Technology Sydney • Australia
Cancer survivorship
Psycho-oncology is moving toward a more dimensional understanding of mental health that reflects the real experiences of people with cancer
Kevin Keane
Fiona Stanley Hospital, Australia • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Genitourinary oncology • Surgery
Aligning yourself with ambitious, supportive leaders in the field can shape both your career direction and mindset
→ Read more about Dr Kevin Keane on global training, collaboration and cancer care across continents
Gabriel Lenz
AdventHealth • USA
Lung cancer
The future of oncology will be defined not just by innovation, but by equity
→ Read more about Dr Gabriel Lenz on equity, access and the real-world impact of oncology research
Federico Monaca
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, UK • Italy
Lung cancer
Ten years ago we knew very little – now we have multiple treatment options. Seeing how scientific progress translates into real opportunities for patients is incredibly rewarding
→ Read more about Dr Federico Monaca on shaping a career in modern oncology
Juan Gómez Rivas
Hospital ClÃnico San Carlos • Spain
Genitourinary oncology • Surgery
In difficult moments, remember why you chose this path. If you stay dedicated, the light always comes back.
Margaret Wheless
Vanderbilt Health • USA
Gastrointestinal oncology
The privilege of walking alongside patients through their most defining moments is profoundly humbling and rewarding
→ Read more about Dr Margaret Wheless on empathy, guidance and the rewards of academic oncology
Congratulations to our Future Leaders 2026!
More from touchONCOLGY Future Leaders
→ Look back at our touchONCOLOGY Future Leaders 2025
→  5 key developments that have changed oncology in 2025
→  5 exciting developments in oncology to watch in 2025 and beyond
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