The medical community in St. Louis, and far beyond, is reflecting on the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Brian Andrew Van Tine, a respected oncologist, researcher, professor, and mentor whose impact in the field of sarcoma care has been profound. Known both for his scientific brilliance and his deep compassion, Dr. Van Tine leaves behind a body of work and a reputation that have shaped modern oncology in lasting ways.
Dr. Van Tine served as an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at Washington University in St. Louis, where he also held multiple influential leadership roles. As Sarcoma Program Director, Co-Director of the Phase II Program, and Co-Director of the Adolescence and Young Adult Program at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, he helped transform the center into a hub for cutting-edge research and patient-centered care.
His academic path began at the University of Arizona, where he earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry in 1995. He continued his studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning both his M.D. and Ph.D. in 2005. His doctoral research examined the role of HPV in cervical cancer, completed under the mentorship of Profs. Louis T. Chow and Thomas R. Broker.
Following his training, Dr. Van Tine joined Washington University in St. Louis/Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Medical Oncology fellowship. In the laboratory, he trained under Dr. James J.D. Hsieh and Dr. Matthew Ellis, immersing himself in the study of mouse genetics, genomics, and the complexities of sarcoma biology.
His research contributions reshaped the scientific understanding of sarcoma. Dr. Van Tine’s laboratory identified the loss of ASS1 expression as a common defect in sarcoma, a discovery that opened doors to new therapeutic strategies. His team became the first to report that around 90 percent of sarcomas silence argininosuccinate synthetase 1, making them vulnerable to arginine deprivation therapy and glutaminase inhibitors. He also demonstrated that arginine starvation can counter gemcitabine resistance, a breakthrough now being tested in a Phase II clinical trial. Additional discoveries, including the identification of ME1 loss in synovial sarcoma and PHGDH dependency in osteosarcoma, further expanded potential treatment avenues.
While his scientific achievements were remarkable, the people who worked alongside him emphasize something even more meaningful—his humanity.
Terrie Awbrey Stald, who worked closely with him for eight years, shared a heartfelt tribute:
“For 8 years, I’ve had the privilege of working for one of the most brilliant and caring people I’ve ever known, Dr. Brian Van Tine. I was intimidated at first by his intelligence and accomplishments, but that quickly turned to a deep respect. He was one of the leading sarcoma oncologists and researchers in the country. People came from all over to be seen in his clinic. He worked tirelessly to try to help them… He trusted me, valued my work, and made sure I knew it. He made me feel like I was part of something truly meaningful.”
Her words echo the sentiments of countless patients, colleagues, and families whose lives Dr. Van Tine influenced.
As the community reflects on his life, one thing remains clear: Dr. Brian Van Tine’s legacy is one of innovation, compassion, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. His work will continue to guide the future of cancer research and inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
