Provider Bio

Dr. Nick Chen strives to help his patients understand the full range of treatment options, not only for their disease, but for their overall quality of life.

"Cancer patients often suffer from decreased appetite, weight loss and a host of other mental and physical problems," Nick says. "Their nutritional, mental and emotional states affect their immunity and overall outcome. It is quite clear that the treatment of cancer must involve an integration of all of these areas to be successful."

When medical doctors work side by side with naturopathic oncologists, practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and mind-body specialists, Nick adds, the communication between team members is prompt, continuous and complete.

"The patient is the winner when everybody works together in a seamless integration of treatment," he says.

Board certified in medical oncology and internal medicine with a Ph.D. in immunology, Nick has provided patient care and studied medicine on three continents. He served hematology fellowships at University Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium and Shanghai Medical University in China and earned his Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Iowa.

He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a fellowship in medical oncology at Moffitt Cancer Treatment Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida, one of the top comprehensive cancer centers in the nation.

Nick joined the integrative cancer treatment team at Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center in 2002.

He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology and the American Medical Association.

"Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapies and other medical treatments address the cancer head-on, while science-based complementary therapies help ease the side effects and improve the outcome," Nick explains.

Mind-body support and patient empowerment are also vital, he says.

"We can use our thoughts and emotions to help the body heal faster. The more involved the patient is in his or her treatment program, the better the patient will feel mentally and emotionally. When one moves from victim to victor, it is much easier to visualize and achieve success."