Dr. Nasser H. Hanna

Doctor Overview

Dr. Nasser H. Hanna is a thoracic oncologist at Indiana University (IU) Health. For more than two decades, his career has impacted the fight against cancer. Dr. Hanna currently holds several key roles, including:

• Associate Division Director of Oncology at IU School of Medicine
• Director of IU Health Cancer Screening Program
• Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at IU School of Medicine
• Tom and Julie Wood Family Foundation Professor of Lung Cancer Clinical Research

Dr. Hanna helps guide multidisciplinary cancer programs toward improving survival and quality of life. He focuses on patients with complex thoracic malignancies, like lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma. His practice emphasizes evidence-based, personalized treatment plans. Beyond patient care, he is recognized for his research and advocacy.

Dr. Hanna is helping define approaches that aid in early cancer detection. For instance, he founded the End Lung Cancer Now initiative that focuses on prevention and screening. He also directs Indiana’s first mobile lung screening program, expanding access to low-dose CT screenings. He has authored many research studies, helping to shape modern thoracic oncology.

Doctor Fast Facts

Main Specialty: Medical Oncology/Hematology

Other Interests & Specialties: Esophageal cancer, genitourinary cancer, lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and thoracic cancer.

Certifications, Awards & Accolades: American Board of Internal Medicine in Medical Oncology, Inspirational Educator Award, Trustees' Teaching Award

Education & Experience:

• Medical Degree from the University of Missouri Medical School
• Internship at the University of Iowa
• Residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa
• Fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the IU School of Medicine

Publications

Correlates of Perceived Illness Severity and Terminality in Advanced Lung and Prostate Cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2025 Apr;69(4):393-401.

Coping with physical and psychological symptoms: a qualitative study of advanced lung cancer patients and their family caregivers. Support Care Cancer. 2015 Jul;23(7):2053-60.

Pemetrexed (Alimta): improving outcomes in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2004 Jun;4(3):361-8.