Frances Chow

Frances Chow, MD is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurological Surgery and Neurology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, serving as Neuro-Oncology Disease Affinity Group Leader at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of brain tumors, immunotherapy strategies, and clinical outcomes in neuro-oncology. She has been recognized with prestigious awards including the Society for Neuro-Oncology Editorial Scholars Program (2025) and multiple Top Doctor distinctions (2022–2025).

Her work integrates clinical and molecular approaches, including studies on MGMT promoter methylation in glioblastoma, GABA signaling in tumor dissemination, and racial disparities in brain metastasis incidence. She leads clinical trials evaluating novel therapies like selinexor for recurrent glioblastoma and explores cancer stem cell biology to improve treatment efficacy.

Publications highlight her contributions to understanding brain tumor biology, imaging innovations, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. She actively participates in translational research, including patient-derived tumor models and multi-omic profiling of melanoma brain metastases. Frances also advocates for equitable cancer care, documenting pandemic-related treatment delays and disparities in surgical outcomes.

Her lab collaborates on developing precision medicine approaches, such as assay-guided chemotherapy for glioblastoma, and investigates neuroimaging advancements like the MT-DICE protocol for cerebrovascular evaluation.