Thomas C. Chen, MD, PhD

Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Brain Tumor, Brain and Tumor Neurosurgery
Accepting New Patients

Locations

Photo of Los Angeles – Neurosurgery
place
1520 San Pablo St. HC2 - Suite 3800 HC2 - Suite 3800, Los Angeles, CA 90033
phone
schedule

Monday - Friday

7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Photo of La Canada - USC Healthcare Center
place
1751 Foothill Blvd. Suite 2 Suite 2, La Canada, CA 91011
phone
schedule

Monday - Friday

8 a.m - 5 p.m.

Photo of Los Angeles - Spine Center
place
1450 San Pablo St. HC4 - Suite 5400 HC4 - Suite 5400, Los Angeles, CA 90033
phone
schedule

Monday - Friday

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Provider Details

Languages Spoken
Taiwanese, English
Gender
Male
About Thomas C. Chen, MD, PhD
Dr. Chen's goal is to make USC Neuro-oncology the leader in innovative treatments for brain and spine tumors. As a result, emphasis is placed on translating new findings made in the laboratory to clinical trials. Laboratory efforts are directed toward research on endoplasmic reticulum stress, understanding glioblastoma endothelial cells, and development of novel anti-invasion therapies such as vicrostatin, a unique disintegrin made at USC, and noscopine. Technological advances that may be used in the treatment of brain or spine tumors are being developed, patented, and will soon be highlighted. Novel clinical trials currently available or soon to be available at USC include anti-EGFRviii vaccine therapy, IL-4-pseudomonas exotoxin for convection enhanced delivery, and anti-tenascin brachytherapy. Surgical therapy is based on the newest techniques in microdissection and image guidance using neuronavigational therapy, with a soon to be added intraoperative MRI scanner. Spine oncology is especially unique as Dr. Chen is one of the few fellowship trained spine surgeons focused on spine cancer. Decisions on therapy are made through tumor board via a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to neuro-oncology including neurosurgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, and neuro-radiology.

Experience

Specialties
  • Neurosurgery
  • Spine Surgery
  • Brain Tumor
  • Brain and Tumor Neurosurgery
Areas of Focus
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Brain and Tumor Surgery 
Academic Title
Professor of Neurological Surgery

Insurances Accepted

Note: Please contact the practice directly to confirm your health plan is accepted.

Benefits among health plans and employers vary. Please contact your health plan to verify benefits and network providers for specific products. It is important to note that not all of our providers participate in all of a health plan's products or networks.

  • Health Net Covered California
  • Great-West Healthcare of California, Inc.
  • Private Health Care Systems
  • First Health
  • Brand New Day
  • USC Network
  • Interplan
  • Blue Shield Covered California
  • Coventry Health Care
  • Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Covered California
  • GEHA
  • Union Roofers Health & Welfare Fund
  • Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer
  • ChoiceCare Network
  • Marian Health Services
  • Beech Street Corporation /WC
  • Health Net
  • Laundry and Dry Cleaning Workers Health & Welfare
  • TriWest Healthcare Alliance (UHC)
  • CIGNA
  • NEXT
  • Blue Shield of California
  • United Healthcare
  • Kern Health Systems
  • Watchtower
  • Take Care (GUAM)
  • Pacificare
  • Health Plans of Nevada
  • Medicare
  • MultiPlan

Ratings and Reviews

  • Provider Explanations Easy to Understand
  • Provider Gave Easy to Understand Instructions
  • Provider Showed Respect
  • Provider Listened Carefully
  • Provider Knew Medical History
  • Provider Spent Enough Time

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