Chetan Bettegowda, MD, PhD
Brain and Tumor NeurosurgeryNeuro-OncologyNeurosurgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Infant 0-2
- Child 3-12
- Adolescent 13-17
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- Kannada
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Chetan Bettegowda
Professional Titles
- Director, Department of Neurosurgery
- Harvey Cushing Professor of Neurosurgery
- Neurosurgeon-in-Chief, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Director, Reza Khatib Brain Tumor Center
- Director, Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center
- Co-Director, Trigeminal Neuralgia Center
- Director, Physician Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Medical Director, Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Neurological Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Chetan Bettegowda is the director of the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurosurgery. He offers comprehensive treatments for adult patients with benign and malignant brain tumors, specializing in the treatment of patients with primary brain tumors such as gliomas, meningiomas and pituitary tumors. He performs both open surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with metastatic tumors to the brain, and also provides stereotactic radiosurgery for other neurological disorders, including spinal tumors, trigeminal neuralgia and skull-base tumors.
Centers and Institutes
Clinical Trial Keywords
Ongoing clinical protocol to develop a simple blood test that can detect and monitor disease burden in patients with tumors affecting the central nervous system
Clinical Trials Summary
A Phase 2/3 Randomized, Open-Label Study of Toca 511, a Retroviral Replicating Vector, Combined With Toca FC versus Standard of Care in Subjects Undergoing Planned Resection for Recurrent Glioblastoma or Anaplastic Astrocytoma. IRB Number: IRB00079861.
This study plans to test overall survival in patients treated with the medication Toca 511 (vocimagene amiretrorepvec), combined with Toca FC (flucytosine) tablets. This combination medication is being used to test to see if it works well for treating high grade gliomas patients whom have suffered a recurrence of their tumor.
Find a Clinical Trial
View all trials by this principal investigator.
Videos
- Meet Our Expert: Dr. Chetan Bettegowda
- Recurrent Brain Tumor | Elena's Story
- Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery: Q&A
- Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery: What You Need to Know
- Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery | Michelle's Story
- Malignant Brain Tumor Surgery - What You Need to Know
- Malignant Brain Tumor Clinical Trials - What You Need to Know
- Doorways to Discovery: Liquid Biopsy to Track Cancer
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
-
Investigators Devise Test to Identify Brain Tumors from Cerebrospinal Fluid (9/6/2023)
- Researchers Aim to Improve Lifespan and Quality of Life for Patients with Brain Tumors (12/9/2021)
-
Individualized Care Through Translocation Testing, NeuroLogic (Winter 2021)
Additional Academic Titles
Professor of Oncology, Professor of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences
Research Interests
Developing clinical trials to selectively target these pathways, Developing targeted therapies for patients with primary and metastatic tumors of the brain and spine, Identify key genetic pathways that are altered in brain tumors, Ongoing clinical protocol to develop a simple blood test that can detect and monitor disease burden in patients with tumors affecting the central nervous system
Lab Website
Brain Tumor Cancer Genetics Lab - Lab Website
- The lab explores the genetic underpinnings that drive the pathogenesis of a variety of primary central nervous system neoplasms. We are interested in exploiting genetic changes for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Our lab is currently working on understanding the extreme responders and extreme clinical phenotypes of brain and spinal cord tumors to identify factors that may modulate responses to therapy.
Research Summary
Bringing personalized medicine to the forefront of treatment for patients with brain and spinal tumors is of specific interest to Dr. Chetan Bettegowda. His research is dedicated to developing targeted therapies for patients with primary and metastatic tumors of the brain and spine. As part of this research, he has helped identify key genetic pathways that are altered in brain tumors, and he is developing clinical trials to selectively target these pathways. Dr. Bettegowda is also spearheading an ongoing clinical protocol to develop a simple blood test that can detect and monitor disease burden in patients with tumors affecting the central nervous system
Google Scholar - Publications
http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Chetan+Bettegowda&btnG=&hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C21
PubMed - Publications
Honors
- Baltimore Magazine Top Doctor 2024
- Burroughs Wellcome Career Award for Medical Scientists
- Sanford Larson Award for Best Peripheral Nerve/Spine Paper, AANS
- Clinician Scientist Award, Johns Hopkins
- Grant, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
- Grant, American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Locations
- Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 5, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-955-6406
- fax: 410-955-6402
Expertise
Education
- Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neurological Surgery, 2012
- Medical Education: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD PhD, 2005
Board Certifications
- Neurological Surgery: American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2017
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
89 ratings, 50 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
Informative
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
Dr Bettegowda was excellent in explaining my situation, wasn't rushed, and answered all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
Provider was great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
Dr. Bettegowda is a very kind and caring person. He is very knowledgeable about my my problems and I have great confidence in his wisdom and care!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/6/2026
I feel this Doctor was extremely humane polite, skilled informative and kind
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/6/2026
Very clear and attentive. Showed compassion
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/6/2026
Dr. Bettegowda is excellent. Knowledgeable, kind, patient and fantastic in every way.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
Was good an excellent service
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
During my appointment I felt like I was in the presence of greatness. I am in awe of Dr. Bettegowda, his compassion, and his wealth of knowledge. I am also appreciative of his groundbreaking research.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Outstanding in every way
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
Dr Bettegowda has been my provider for TN since 2014. TN is very difficult to live with and treat . But he has been very supportive. He is willing I do anything to help me. He listens when I'm frustrated, scared, and even when I cry!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
I am extremely pleased with the care I received from Dr. Bettegowda and his entire team. They are caring, patient and knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2026
He is at the top of his field, providing knowledge, compassion and understanding to my circumstances.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Dr Bettegowda cured my pain. I am forever grateful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
My provider was excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Excellent. Caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2025
Very knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2025
He is outstanding, kind and respectful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2025
From scheduling with [staff], talking with the Resident, to reviewing results with Dr. Bettegowda the service and professionalism was utmost! I always feel heard, understood, and can ask any question. Everyone In this clinic is amazing, kind, and see each person as a person not a number.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2025
Very knowledgeable about my situation. He shared scans during my video visit and explained everything in a manner in which I understood.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2025
Professional and compassionate
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2025
Thank you
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
Listens to my concerns, speaks very direct and in a kind manner about next steps.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
Dr. Bettegowda is the best doctor I have ever encountered. He is beyond a score of ""10"". His professionalism and treatment of me as a patient is exemplary!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2025
Dr, Bettegowda, as always, was professional yet friendly, patient, and exceedingly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain his interpretation of my MRI and the implications of what he saw. He answered all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2025
When video connection was poor, provider patiently switched to an audio visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2025
Knowledgeable and thoughtful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2025
Extremely courteous and knowledgeable. Made you feel comfortable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
An excellent consultation regarding brain tumor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
He is a world class and humble provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/3/2025
Dr Bettegowda was awesome. Professional, attentive, and compassionate
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/27/2025
Extremely happy with my doctor. His calm demeanor is very reassuring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/27/2025
Dr Bettegowda was very thorough, kind and answered all my questions before I had a chance to answer them. He was awesome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2025
Excellent provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/30/2025
Excellent~the very best!!!! So wise, warm and kind!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/30/2025
Excellent provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Very knowledgeable, patient, concerning and friendly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Great listener with great bedside manners
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2025
Dr Bettegowda truly cares about his patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2025
He was very patient and listened.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2025
Dr. Bettegowda is excellent. He explains complex medical issues very well, listens to concerns and has a great way of communicating. He is also an excellent surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2025
Generally very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
GREAT. LISTENING AND EXPLAINING THINGSPUT US AT EASE. TOOK TIME AND I NEVER FELT RUSHED. Wish all doctors were like him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Dr. Bettegowda listens to my concerns and explains things in a way that's understandable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
This doctor was patient, kind knowledgeable, and treated me with respect. I plan on utilizing him for my health issue.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Dr. Bettegowda was excellent, provided great care. Was calm and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
The doctor listened to me carefully and gave his best advice. He was very friendly and helpful in understanding my health issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
Dr. Bettegowda is an exceptional neurosurgeon. He empathizes with his patients, listens carefully, and is calm and patient. My experience with Johns Hopkins and the surgery with Dr. Bettegowda could not have been better.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
Excellent provider highest rating for Dr Bettegowda