We need your help as we support Kate's journey to conquer Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma through innovative research. Though her life changed rapidly with this diagnosis, Kate is determined to fight, undergoing 52 weeks of chemotherapy which started on July 13th, 2023. Thankfully, this type of cancer normally responds well to chemotherapy.

In the face of this extremely rare cancer, Kate is responding with hope and gratitude by championing groundbreaking research at the Siteman Cancer Center. Brian Van Tine, MD, PhD, is one of the top sarcoma specialists in the nation. The funds raised will be made available for immediate use by Siteman Cancer Center, enabling Dr. Van Tine to conduct research on cutting-edge treatments and bring forth new opportunities for patients like Kate. Together, let's empower Kate by fueling the next big breakthrough in the treatment of this rare cancer. 

Please note that the funds raised will be directed to the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University in St. Louis to support research, not for Kate's personal care. Your continued prayers for Kate's journey are appreciated. Thank you for backing research that has the potential to transform the lives of not only Kate but also other patients facing similar challenges.

About Dr. Brian Van Tine

Brian Andrew Van Tine, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, where he is the Sarcoma Program Director at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center. Dr. Van Tine received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Arizona in 1995. Dr. Van Tine completed his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2005. His thesis research mainly focused on the role of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in the development of cervical cancer with Profs. Louis T. Chow and Thomas R. Broker. After completing his M.D., Ph.D., Dr. Van Tine came to Washington University in St. Louis/Barnes Jewish Hospital where he did his Internal Medicine Residency and Medical Oncology Fellowship. Working to understand the intricate chemical reactions of molecules occurring in various types of cancerous tumors for therapeutic translation into new drugs and treatments is the overall goal of the Van Tine laboratory. 

Research Summary

Dr. Van Tine’s laboratory studies how to take advantage of molecular weaknesses in cancer cells and use drugs that target those weaknesses. For example, they identified a genetic mutation in sarcoma cells that leads to a deficiency in a key amino acid that the cells depend on for survival. By using a special chemical screening process called global metabolomics, they can identify targeted drugs that block those amino acids from being made or used, therefore killing the cancer cells. These same chemical pathways can be used to help deliver chemotherapy drugs more effectively. By understanding the metabolism of tumor cells, Dr. Van Tine’s team takes bench-level findings to clinical trials, strategically developing combination drug therapies that will transform how sarcomas are treated.