Frances E. Chow, MD

Dr. Frances E. Chow is a board-certified UCI Health neurologist who specializes in neuro-oncology and the treatment of brain and spine tumors. She serves as Chief of the Division of Neuro-Oncology and Medical Director of the UCI Comprehensive Brain Tumor Program. 

Chow collaborates with specialists across UCI Health to deliver multidisciplinary care, expand access to innovative clinical trials and advance new treatments through translational research. She is committed to developing individualized treatment plans that combine the latest scientific advances with compassionate, personalized care.

Chow earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. She completed her internship in internal medicine at UC Irvine, followed by a neurology residency at Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center and a fellowship in neuro-oncology at UCLA. Before joining UCI Health, she served as the sole dedicated neuro-oncologist for the University of Southern California and Los Angeles County's Department of Health Services, where she developed clinical infrastructure to expand access to neuro-oncology care and clinical trials throughout Los Angeles.

Her research focuses on systemic immune and tumor microenvironment responses to immunotherapy for brain tumors. As a Principal Investigator for the NCI's Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, she develops and leads early-phase clinical trials evaluating promising novel therapies. Her work is supported by the NIH, the American Cancer Society, and the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.

Chow was selected for the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer's Women in Immunotherapy Leadership Institute and the Society for Neuro-Oncology's Future Leaders Development Program. She also has been recognized as a Top Doctor by Los Angeles Magazine. 

Services:

• Cancer Care
• Neurology
• Brain Tumor Program

Clinical Interests:

Clinical trials, translational research, brain tumors, spine tumors