Jeffrey S. Weber, MD, PhD, FASCO, an internationally recognized pioneer in melanoma and cancer immunotherapy, died on August 19, 2024, according to an announcement from the Melanoma Research Foundation. He most recently served as Deputy Director of the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at New York University (NYU) Langone Health.
“As an immunotherapy expert, Dr. Weber’s investigations and research findings have brought innovative advancements in melanoma treatment from the laboratory to clinical practice,” the organization commented in a press release. “Collectively, Dr. Weber’s contributions have greatly impacted the entire melanoma community and have enabled tremendous progress for countless patients, survivors, and caregivers.”
Jeffrey S. Weber, MD, PhD, FASCO
Professional Training and Experience
Dr. Weber received his PhD in molecular cell biology from The Rockefeller University and subsequently earned an MD degree from NYU. He completed an internship and residency at the University of California, San Diego, and concluded his training with a fellowship in medical oncology and tumor immunology at the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Dr. Weber’s distinguished career included research and teaching positions at the University of California, Irvine. He also served for more than 10 years at the University of Southern California (USC) Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, rising to become Chief of Medicine, Chief of the Division of Medical Oncology, and Associate Director of Clinical Research.
Prior to joining NYU Langone Health in 2015, Dr. Weber served since 2007 as Director of the Donald A. Adam Comprehensive Melanoma Research Center at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. He furthermore held the title of Professor in the Department of Oncologic Sciences at the University of South Florida.
In addition to his most recent position as Deputy Director of the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, Dr. Weber was recognized as the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Professor of Oncology in the Department of Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine; Director of the Experimental Therapeutics Program; and Co-Leader of the Clinical Melanoma Program Board at NYU Langone Health.
Legacy in Melanoma and Immunotherapy Research
Dr. Weber’s research, which was supported by the NCI for decades, primarily focused on experimental therapeutics and drug development in melanoma. Having published more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, he left behind a significant legacy that will undoubtedly continue to shape the field for years to come.
Dr. Weber led some of the most influential clinical trials in melanoma, with the phase III CheckMate 037 trial resulting in the first approval of nivolumab and the phase III CheckMate 238 trial expanding its indication. Furthermore, his involvement in the phase III MDX010-020 trial paved the way for the first approval of ipilimumab.
Dr. Weber’s career was marked by impactful research until his passing, including the phase IIb KEYNOTE-942 trial, for which he was published as the lead author earlier this year. This final study provided the first randomized clinical data in support of a cancer relapse–preventive vaccine.
Other Notable Accomplishments
Dr. Weber’s expertise was reflected in his leadership roles across numerous cancer organizations, including the Melanoma Research Foundation, Melanoma Therapeutics Foundation, NCI’s Clinical Oncology Study section, and the U.S. Veterans Administration Clinical Oncology section. The Melanoma Research Foundation expressed gratitude for his contributions, as he was a member of its Scientific Advisory Council and Breakthrough Consortium, served as a grant reviewer and mentor, and helped produce and review its educational resources. In 2019, Dr. Weber was awarded the Melanoma Research Foundation’s Humanitarian Award for his exceptional contributions to melanoma detection and treatment.
Dr. Weber also worked with the Physicians’ Education Resource. In April 2024, he served as Co-Chair of the International Symposium on Melanoma and Other Cutaneous Malignancies and was slated to do so again next year.
In 2016, Dr. Weber was named an inductee of the Giants of Cancer Care award in Melanoma. The award not only recognized his pioneering contributions but also reflected the impact of his work on the future of research and treatment.
Adapted in part from a Melanoma Research Foundation press release (melanoma.org/news-press/in-memoriam-jeffrey-s-weber-md-phd).
