Dr. Jeffrey S. Weber, a leading figure in melanoma research and a pioneer in cancer immunotherapy, has passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Dr. Weber, who served as the deputy director of the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center and co-leader of the Clinical Melanoma Program Board at NYU Langone Health, was widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of oncology.
Dr. Weber’s remarkable career spanned several decades, during which he played a pivotal role in advancing melanoma treatment. His work included leading pivotal clinical trials that transformed the standard of care for melanoma patients. Notably, he was the principal investigator in multiple phase 3 trials that led to the FDA approvals of drugs such as nivolumab (Opdivo) and ipilimumab (Yervoy), which have significantly improved survival rates for patients with advanced melanoma.
The oncology community, along with his patients and colleagues, are deeply saddened by his passing. Dr. Weber’s impact on cancer research and patient care was profound, earning him the prestigious Giants of Cancer Care® award in Melanoma in 2016. His work brought hope to countless patients and changed the landscape of cancer treatment.
On social media, tributes poured in from those whose lives he touched. Lynn Kay shared on Facebook, "The oncologist who saved my life has died of pancreatic cancer… I had an email from him a week or so ago and he told me he was very sick." Another commenter, Cheryl Lage, expressed, "What a heroic man. Sending you love and peace… as well as to his family and friends. What a legacy. Wishing him eternal peace."
Dr. Weber was not only a leader in the scientific community but also a beloved mentor and clinician, known for his dedication to his patients and his unwavering commitment to advancing cancer treatment. His passing is a significant loss for the medical field, but his legacy will continue through the countless lives he has saved and the ongoing research inspired by his work.