Dr. Edward Chu, MD, MMS, an internationally respected cancer pharmacologist and transformative cancer center leader, passed away from glioblastoma on November 13 at the age of 66. Known for his wisdom, humility, and unforgettable laugh, he combined scientific rigor with profound humanity, shaping cancer research, clinical care, and the careers of countless trainees and colleagues. Admired for his rare ability to make complex science accessible, he elevated every institution he served.
Early Life, Training, and a Calling to Cancer Research
Born to cancer pharmacologists Ming Chu, PhD, and Shih-Hsi Chu, PhD, Dr. Chu grew up surrounded by the world of scientific discovery. He completed his undergraduate, master’s, and medical degrees at Brown University, followed by residency at Roger Williams Medical Center. His lifelong commitment to oncology took root under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Calabresi during his fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, where he became a tenured senior clinical investigator and contributed foundational work in early-phase therapeutics.
Impact at Yale Cancer Center
In 1996, Dr. Edward Chu joined Yale School of Medicine, where he left an enduring imprint on patient care, research, and mentorship. He directed the VA Connecticut Cancer Center, co-led the Developmental Therapeutics Research Program, and later served as chief of medical oncology, associate director for clinical and translational research, and deputy director of Yale Cancer Center. Colleagues remember him as extraordinarily supportive known for thoughtful, rapid feedback on grant submissions and unwavering advocacy for faculty and trainees. His leadership helped shape Yale’s modern oncology programs and strengthened its scientific foundation.
Leadership in Pittsburgh and Expansion of Therapeutics
In 2010, Dr. Edward Chu was recruited to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. There he served as deputy director, chief of hematology-oncology, and co-leader of the Cancer Therapeutics Program. He played a key role in expanding experimental therapeutics, leading multiple NCI team science initiatives, and supporting the growth of clinical research programs. Colleagues described him as “the quintessential servant leader,” valued for his strategic vision, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the success of those around him.
Transforming the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center
In 2020, Dr. Edward Chu assumed leadership of the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC) as director, vice president of cancer medicine, and the Carol and Roger Einiger Professor of Cancer Medicine. He arrived in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis and rapidly unified the cancer enterprise across the Montefiore Health System. Through his strategic leadership, MECCC achieved its first NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation.
His accomplishments in a remarkably short period were transformative. He recruited more than 65 faculty members, established a robust phase I clinical trials program, expanded translational research funding, strengthened community outreach, and oversaw the launch of a new state-of-the-art breast care center. His colleagues noted that the scale and speed of his contributions “are hard to overstate,” reflecting both his vision and his ability to bring people together toward a shared mission.
Edward Chu, front center, with the attendees of the
2023 Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center Retreat.
Photo credit: Montefiore Einstein Newsroom
Scientific Achievements in Cancer Pharmacology
A leading expert in pharmacology, Dr. Edward Chu advanced therapies for colorectal cancer and identified new treatment targets that fueled scientific progress in the field. His insights into the interactions among thymidylate synthase, folate, and 5-fluorouracil remain critical to understanding and improving chemotherapy. His widely used reference text, The Physician’s Cancer Chemotherapy Drug Manual, co-authored with Dr. Vincent DeVita, continues to guide oncology training worldwide.
A Mentor, Educator, and Global Collaborator
Dr. Edward Chu shaped the careers of more than 40 trainees and mentored faculty nationwide. His deep, resonant voice and exceptional clarity made his lectures famous, especially his annual pharmacology sessions for oncology board review courses. Beyond the United States, he fostered cancer research networks across Taiwan, China, Japan, and India, strengthening global collaboration in cancer medicine.
His colleagues remember him as the “Baritone of Reason”, a thoughtful, steady presence who inspired confidence. He brought the same compassion to patient care, forming lasting connections with those he treated.
A Legacy of Leadership, Friendship, and Humanity
Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Edward Chu was known as a loyal friend with an infectious laugh and generous spirit. He maintained close bonds with colleagues throughout Yale, Pittsburgh, and New York, treating friends as extended family. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Laurie Harrold, their children, Ashley and Josh, and a wide circle of loved ones, colleagues, and trainees whose lives he touched.
“In loving memory of a wonderful person who was an amazing husband, father, and friend. We are devastated to hear about Ed. His passing is a great loss to mankind. He has contributed so much to cancer research for the world, and personally for my brother. We cannot thank him and Laurie enough for all their help and guidance.
He was a very dear friend, and we always felt as though he, Laurie, Ashley, and Joshua were family. We shared so many special celebrations together. We will miss him dearly, but we will forever hold our wonderful memories close to our hearts.”
— Angela and Kevin Killeen
Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD