Dr. Christophe Nguyen

Biographical information

Dr. Nguyen is a new addition to the Spartanburg surgical community and specializes in general and thoracic surgical oncology. He developed an interest in surgical oncology during his general surgical residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, and spent two additional years conducting cancer research at the Hollings Cancer Center. He then further pursued his interest in oncology by completing a two-year Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Dr. Nguyen has published numerous works in both basic science and clinical peer-review journals. He has also presented such work at international meetings such as the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research.

Although his training spans the entire field of surgical oncology (head and neck, breast, thoracic and GI disease), he has developed particular interest in the surgical management of thoracic and gastrointestinal malignancies. Dr. Nguyen has introduced several new minimally-invasive surgical techniques to SRMC such as laparoscopic colorectal and liver surgery. Furthermore, he is one of the only thoracic surgeons in the state performing video-assisted (VATS) lobectomies.

Dr. Nguyen is credentialed by the MD Anderson Network and is an active member of the Society of Surgical Oncology. He participates regularly at the Gibbs Cancer Center tumor conferences, as well as resident didactic conferences.

Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
General Surgery Residency: Medical University of South Carolina
Research Fellowship: Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC.
Surgical Oncology Fellowship: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA.
Certification: American Board of Surgery

Clinical Interests: General Surgical Oncology; Foregut- esophagus/stomach cancer; Hepato-biliary and Pancreas; Liver metastases; RFA, pancreatic cancer; Thoracic Oncology (Lung cancer, VATS, mediastinoscopy)

On a personal note

Although cancer can develop at many sites throughout the body, the most common cancers that we face develop in solid organs (lung, breast, colon, etc.). Often, surgical removal of a cancer can afford patients a chance of cure or prolonged survival. The field of surgical oncology is devoted exclusively to the surgical management of cancer. This subspecialty requires several more years of training after the completion of a general surgery residency. Less than 50 surgical oncologists a year complete their training and enter surgical practice compared to over 1,000 general surgeons a year. This additional training allows surgeons to tackle difficult cancers (such as esophagus, lung, liver and pancreas tumors) safely and successfully. Surgical oncologists approach these cancers not only with the latest surgical techniques, but with greater understanding of the underlying tumor biology. We collaborate closely with our medical and radiation oncology colleagues and stay at the forefront of emerging and exciting treatment strategies.

I have spent nearly a decade in surgical training so as to offer my cancer patients the most technically advanced and sophisticated operations possible. As an advocate of quality of life after surgery, I routinely incorporate minimally-invasive (laparoscopy, thoracoscopy) techniques. My patients not only receive the best cancer operation possible, but often benefit from less post-operative pain and earlier recovery. Sometimes, chemotherapy and radiation are needed after surgery, and a quick recovery allows these patients to receive additional treatment without delay.

In addition to my surgical skill, I offer my patients and their families my deepest sympathy and understanding. From the first office visit through the post-surgery recovery and beyond, my goal is to ensure that patients and their families completely understand the surgical process and all available treatment options. Unlike other disciplines within medicine, the practice of surgical oncology is unique as it combines advanced surgical technique with compassion in the pursuit of one relentless goal: the cure of cancer.

Scientific Publications

  • Nguyen CL, Scott WJ and Goldberg M. Radiofrequency ablation of primary and metastatic lung malignancies. Ann Thorac Surg 82:365-71, 2006

  • Nguyen CL, Scott WJ, Young N, Rader T, Giles LR, Goldberg M. Radiofrequency ablation of primary lung cancer: Results from an ablate and resect pilot study. Chest 128:3507-11, 2005

  • Nguyen CL, Barnett CC. Cancer of unknown primary. In: McIntyre RC, Stiegmann GV, Eiseman B, eds. Surgical Decision Making. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 256-57, 2004

  • Salem ML, Kadima AN, Zhou Y, Rubinstein MP, Nguyen CL, Demcheva M, Vournakis JN, Cole DJ, Gillanders WE. Paracrine release of interleukin-12 (IL-12) stimulates interferon-ã production by antigen presenting cells and dramatically enhances the antigen-specific T cell response following vaccination with a novel peptide-based cancer vaccine. Journal of Immunology 172:5159-67, 2004

  • Nguyen CL, Salem ML, Bui JT, Rubinstein MP, Demcheva M, Vournakis JN, Cole DJ, Gillanders WE. Mechanisms of enhanced antigen-specific T cell response following vaccination with a novel peptide-based cancer vaccine and systemic interleukin-2 (IL-2). Vaccine 21:2318-28, 2003

  • Rubinstein MP, Kadima AN, Salem ML, Nguyen CL, Gillanders WE, Nishimura MI, Cole DJ. Transfer of TCR genes into mature T cells is accompanied by the maintenance of parental T cell avidity. Journal of Immunology 170:1209-17, 2003

  • Rubinstein MP, Kadima AN, Salem ML, Nguyen CL, Gillanders WE, Cole DJ. Systemic administration of IL-15 augments the antigen-specific primary CD8+ T cell response following vaccination with peptide-pulsed dendritic cells. Journal of Immunology 169:4928-35, 2002

  • Nguyen CL, Gillanders WE. Biliary drainage update. Current Surgery 59(5):433-6, 2002

  • Nguyen CL, Bui JT, Demcheva M, Vournakis JN, Cole DJ, Gillanders WE. Sustained release of GM-CSF from a modular peptide-based cancer vaccine alters vaccine microenvironment and enhances the antigen-specific T cell response. Journal of Immunotherapy 24(5):420-9, 2001

  • Nguyen CL, Bui JT, Demcheva M, Vournakis JN, Cole DJ, Gillanders WE. Systemic IL-2 alters trafficking of antigen-specific T cells and enhances the primary and memory response to peptide vaccination. Surgical Forum 52:286-88, 2001

  • Nguyen CL, McClay EF, Cole DJ, O'Brien PH, Gillanders WE, Metcalf JS, Maize JC, Baron PL. Melanoma thickness and histology predict sentinel lymph node status. American Journal of Surgery 181:8-11, 2001

  • Baron PL, Nguyen CL. Malignant melanoma. In: Holzheimer RG, Mannick JA, eds. Surgical Treatment, Evidence-Based and Problem-Oriented. Munich: W. Zuckschwerdt Verlag, 549-553, 2001

  • Nguyen CL, Bui JT, Demcheva M, Vournakis JN, Cole DJ, Gillanders WE. Paracrine GM-CSF delivery enhances the antigen-specific T cell response to a novel peptide-based cancer vaccine. Surgical Forum 51:288-290, 2000

Comments about Dr. Nguyen

"I just wanted to let you know how much your care of me as your patient was appreciated! I know that my choice of a surgeon was no accident. The Lord was right there with you, guiding you through the surgery. You have such a gentle, caring and compassionate demeanor, all of which, combined with skill makes for a great doctor! Thanks for being there for myself and my family"

"Thank you for the care you gave my son. Besides performing the surgery, I felt that you treated us with respect and compassion. Your manner put both of us at ease during a stressful and frightening time, and I thank you"

"This doctor is one of a kind. He explained to me I had a cancer in my right lung. He is a very caring and compassionate man. With his expertise and God’s healing hand, they rid me of this cancer. Dr. Nguyen is a rare man and if you are fortunate to know him, you know what I mean. He worked on me and still cares for me after the surgery. He’s a hard working M.D. I would recommend him to any one I know. I care and love this man for he has changed my life and my family’s life. Once again, thanks doctor. May God be with you always"

"Dr. Nguyen is a very caring doctor, the best doctor. He got me through the hard times. Thanks again Dr. Nguyen. God Bless"

"Your patient and detailed explanations, and your truly caring and honest demeanor, never once made us feel doubtful or apprehensive. You treated him as if he was the only patient you had and never made him feel rushed or hurried. This is rare in today’s hectic paced society. Under your care, we have come to fully understand the meaning of a dedicated and caring physician. The polite, informative and understanding manner in which you consistently treated us with will never be forgotten"

"Thank you for the tender, loving care you gave Dad…It was a great comfort to know that he was in your very capable hands. We, as well as Dad, have nothing but the highest regard for you, not only in your medical skill and knowledge, but also in the wonderful way you communicated and cared for all of us. Also, thank you for your incredible patience with us. You answered so many questions and helped us in so many ways"

"Words are so inadequate to express our deep appreciation for the superior medical care, kindness and compassion you showed to my husband.  From our first office visit with you, we knew that God had sent you to Spartanburg, not only did you provide exceptional medical care, you also provided the comfort, support and encouragement all of us needed to see us through"


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