Assoc Prof Dr. Ko-Ting Chen | Brain Tumor | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ko-Ting Chen, MD, PhD, is a distinguished neurosurgeon and researcher based in Taoyuan, Taiwan. With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Chang Gung University, his research focuses on neuro-oncology, particularly therapeutic ultrasound for brain tumors. He holds a position as Associate Professor and Attending Physician at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and has been involved in numerous advanced research projects, including molecular determinants in gliomas and the development of 3D bioprinting models for brain tumors. Dr. Chen’s expertise is reflected in his editorial roles with Frontiers in Surgery and Biomedicines, and his work has earned multiple awards, including the Taiwan Neurosurgical Society Best Paper Award and the Dr. Shih-Bin Tu’s Outstanding Research Paper Award. His professional activities include invited talks at international conferences and contributions to various high-impact journals. Dr. Chen’s innovative research and clinical contributions continue to advance the field of neurosurgery and neuro-oncology.

Dr. Ko-Ting Chen’s educational background reflects a robust foundation in medicine and biomedical engineering. He earned his Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree from National Yang Ming University, Taipei, in June 2008. He further advanced his academic credentials by obtaining a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, in July 2021. His doctoral research focused on “Therapeutic Focused Ultrasound in Malignant Brain Tumor: From Bench to Clinic,” under the guidance of Prof. Kuo-Chen Wei and Prof. Hao-Li Liu. Dr. Chen’s commitment to continuing education is evident through his participation in prestigious international courses and fellowships, including the Cold Spring Harbor Course on Brain Tumors, clinical observerships at the University of California, San Francisco, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and a clinical fellowship in France focused on awake craniotomy and brain mapping.

Dr. Ko-Ting Chen is an esteemed Attending Physician and Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan. His career began with extensive training as a Chief Resident at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from 2009 to 2015, followed by roles as an Attending Physician at Saint Paul’s Hospital and then at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. In 2017, Dr. Chen transitioned to an Assistant Professor role, and in 2023, he was promoted to Associate Professor. His expertise in neuro-oncology and neurosurgery is underscored by his leadership in projects involving advanced techniques like awake craniotomy and therapeutic ultrasound. Dr. Chen’s academic journey includes fellowships and observational roles at prestigious institutions such as the University of California, San Francisco, and the Hospital Gui-de-Chauliac in France. His contributions to the field are reflected in numerous research projects and significant awards.

Dr. Ko-Ting Chen’s research interests are primarily focused on neuro-oncology and neurosurgery, with a particular emphasis on advanced therapeutic techniques for brain tumors. His work explores various aspects of brain tumor management, including diffuse gliomas, brain metastasis, and leptomeningeal metastasis. Dr. Chen is dedicated to innovating neurosurgical approaches, such as awake craniotomy and functional surgery, to enhance patient outcomes. He also investigates cerebral connectomics and the application of therapeutic ultrasound, including focused ultrasound, to improve treatment efficacy. His research aims to bridge the gap between preclinical studies and clinical applications, utilizing multi-omics and advanced imaging techniques to understand tumor behavior and neural connectivity. Additionally, Dr. Chen’s work includes developing new bioengineering tools, such as 3D bioprinting for brain models, to advance the field of neurosurgery and neuro-oncology.

Dr. Ko-Ting Chen is a distinguished neurosurgeon and researcher specializing in neuro-oncology, functional neurosurgery, and translational medical research. His research skills are evidenced by his extensive work in therapeutic focused ultrasound for malignant brain tumors, as demonstrated in his Ph.D. thesis. Dr. Chen has expertise in integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D bioprinting and multiomics analysis, into his research projects. His work includes developing dual crosslinking bioinks for neural tissue engineering and exploring tumor behavior through multiomic and radiomic platforms. Dr. Chen’s proficiency extends to preclinical and clinical studies, including focused ultrasound combined with radiotherapy. His skills are further highlighted by his role as an editorial board member and guest editor for prominent journals, where he contributes to advancing knowledge in neurosurgery and brain tumor management. His robust research portfolio and innovative approach underscore his significant impact in his field.

Dr. Ko-Ting Chen has garnered notable recognition for his contributions to neuro-oncology and neurosurgery. His accolades include the prestigious “3rd Taiwan Neurosurgical Society Best Resident Doctor Award” in 2014, and the “13th Taiwan Neurosurgical Society Best Paper Award” in 2017. Dr. Chen was honored as the “Best Clinical Teacher” at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in 2018 and received the “Dr. Shih-Bin Tu’s Outstanding Research Paper Award” in 2021. He also secured the “Outstanding Research Award” from the Department of Surgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in 2022 and the “Young Investigator Award for Pediatric Neuropsychiatric” in the same year. More recently, he earned the “International College of Surgeons – Taiwan Section Prof. Kao Ming-Chien’s Outstanding Paper Award” in 2024. These recognitions underscore his significant impact on advancing brain tumor research and clinical practice.