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.

• Development of NEO212, A Novel Oral Drug for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
  NIH · R41CA271879 · Aug 7, 2025 – Jul 31, 2026 · Role: Principal Investigator
• Developing a Clinically Relevant Radiosensitizer for Temozolomide-resistant Gliomas
  NIH · R42CA246902 · Apr 1, 2020 – Aug 31, 2027 · Role: Principal Investigator
• Developing a clinically relevant radiosensitizer for temozolomide-resistant gliomas
  NIH · R41CA246902 · Apr 1, 2020 – Mar 31, 2021 · Role: Principal Investigator
• Innovative Nose-to-Brain Anticancer Drug Transport Facilitated by NEO100
  NIH · R41CA217551 · Apr 1, 2018 – Mar 31, 2020 · Role: Principal Investigator
• Temozolomide Perillyl Alcohol Conjugate as Treatment for Recurrent Malignant Brain tumors
  NIH · R41CA192419 · Jul 1, 2016 – Jun 30, 2017 · Role: Principal Investigator
• A Novel Brachytherapy Agent for GBM
  NIH · R41CA165626 · Aug 29, 2013 – Jul 28, 2015 · Role: Principal Investigator

• Lenz, Heinz-Josef
• Zlokovic, Berislav
• Chang, Eric
• Attenello, Frank
• Wiemels, Joseph
• Tran, David