Dr. Monica F. Chen

Dr. Monica F. Chen, MD, is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of melanoma, with particular expertise in early-phase clinical trials. She sees patients at the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion in Manhattan and at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth in New Jersey. Her path to oncology was shaped by a deeply personal experience: when her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Chen witnessed first-hand how devastating and disorienting a cancer diagnosis can be for patients and their families. That experience drove her commitment to counseling and guiding people through one of the most difficult periods of their lives, with clear communication and a compassionate approach at the center of her practice.

Dr. Chen works closely with a multidisciplinary team to bring cutting-edge therapies from research into clinical practice, with a research focus on developing the next generation of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, particularly for patients with brain metastasis. Her team has contributed to the development of several FDA-approved treatments, including the combination of nivolumab (Opdivo) and ipilimumab (Yervoy), selpercatinib (Retevmo), and trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu). These contributions reflect her commitment to advancing treatment options for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers and translating scientific innovation into meaningful clinical outcomes.

In her clinical practice, Dr. Chen prioritizes getting to know each patient as an individual, taking time to address their concerns and design treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and the unique characteristics of their cancer. She understands that patients arriving for a first appointment often carry fear about the unknown, including questions about their diagnosis, available treatments, side effects, and the impact on their loved ones. By partnering with patients throughout the process and helping them understand all available options, Dr. Chen aims to make each person feel informed, supported, and actively involved in their own care.