Obituary: Brian Andrew Van Tine, MD, PhD

Colleagues,

I am deeply saddened to share the news that Brian Andrew Van Tine, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine and of Pediatrics and a nationally recognized leader in sarcoma research and early-phase clinical therapeutics, passed away on November 8, 2025, at the age of 53, after a brief, challenging battle following an acute illness. 

A highly accomplished and respected WashU Medicine physician-scientist, Dr. Van Tine dedicated his career to improving outcomes for patients with sarcoma. Through his pioneering research, exceptional clinical care, and generous mentorship, he shaped not only the field but also the lives of many patients and the careers of those fortunate to work alongside him.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Van Tine earned dual bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and biochemistry with a minor in music from the University of Arizona. He received his MD and PhD at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine and his oncology fellowship training at WashU Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital. His dedication to patient care and translational research skills became evident early in his career.

After joining the Division of Oncology in 2011, Dr. Van Tine rose through the ranks to become a full Professor in Medicine and Pediatrics in 2021. As the Director of the Sarcoma Program at Siteman Cancer Center, he built one of the nation’s leading sarcoma clinical and research programs. His pioneering work in tumor metabolism and novel therapeutic development helped establish new paradigms in the treatment of rare and difficult-to-treat cancers. He was appointed as the Director of Developmental Therapeutics (Phase I) at the Siteman Cancer Center in 2021. Within four short years, he reorganized the phase I unit and substantially expanded the phase I program, including many first-in-human clinical trials.

“Brian was not only a brilliant scientist but also a compassionate clinician and an extraordinary mentor,” said Dr. Victoria Fraser, Chair of the Department of Medicine. “He had tremendous passion, energy, and creativity. He was completely dedicated to his patients and used his research and tremendous creativity to identify innovative new treatments that improved the quality of life and survival for many patients. He was beloved by patients, family, and colleagues and will be sorely missed.”

Dr. Van Tine’s impact reached far beyond St. Louis. He was an influential contributor to national and international oncology efforts, serving on committees and advisory panels for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and NRG Oncology. He co-chaired multiple international sarcoma symposia and played a key role in translating scientific discoveries into early-phase clinical trials. He served on the editorial boards of several prestigious journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Clinical Cancer Research, and the Annals of Oncology. He was frequently invited to speak at prestigious national and international conferences.

“Brian’s work changed how we understand and treat sarcomas, and his influence will endure for decades to come,” said Dr. Daniel Link, Director of the Division of Oncology and Deputy Director of Siteman Cancer Center. “Brian was dedicated to advancing research and clinical care for sarcoma patients and patients with other rare tumors. As Director of Developmental Therapeutics, he accelerated our ability to provide cutting-edge novel therapies not only for sarcoma patients but for patients from around the world with many kinds of cancers.”

An inspiring mentor and educator, Dr. Van Tine trained numerous medical students, residents, fellows, and junior investigators, many of whom have gone on to prominent careers in oncology and cancer research. His colleagues remember him for his boundless enthusiasm for scientific discovery, his rigorous intellect, and his compassionate care for patients. His staff adored him for his warmth, candor, and kindness. Beyond his work, he took genuine pleasure in good food, fine wine, great conversation, and travel, carrying through life a quiet joie de vivre that his friends and colleagues cherished. He collected fine art and attended the opening events at the Fabulous Fox Theater’s Broadway Club from the front row with his beloved spouse, Josh. He loved classical music and was the Lead Oboist for the Town and County Symphony Orchestra for several seasons.

Dr. Van Tine’s legacy lives on through his extensive body of research, his mentorship, his friends and colleagues, and the countless patients and families whose lives were touched by his care. Brian is survived by his husband, Josh Hall; his mother, Carole Van Tine; his brother, Matthew Van Tine; and his mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Brian was preceded in death by his father, William Clinton Van Tine, and his brother, Eric Van Tine. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.