Jeffrey S. Weber, MD, PhD, a leading figure in melanoma research and immunotherapy, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to cancer treatment. As deputy director of the Perlmutter Cancer Center and codirector of the Melanoma Research Program at NYU Langone Health, Dr. Weber's work significantly advanced the field of melanoma treatment and cancer immunotherapy.

Key Contributions:

1. Led the CheckMate 238 Phase III adjuvant nivolumab trial in stage III melanoma, establishing the first adjuvant use of anti-PD-1 antibodies.
2. Presented a randomized Phase II trial comparing pembrolizumab with a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine to pembrolizumab alone in melanoma patients, demonstrating the first randomized clinical data supporting vaccine efficacy in preventing cancer relapse.
3. Served on the Melanoma Research Foundation's (MRF) Scientific Advisory Council and Breakthrough Consortium, a network of 23 centers of excellence collaborating on melanoma research.
4. Produced educational resources, including a series of Animated Patient Videos covering various melanoma topics.
5. Recognized with the MRF's Humanitarian Award in 2019 for his exceptional contributions to melanoma detection and treatment.

Career and Positions:

• Deputy Director, Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health
• Codirector, Melanoma Research Program, NYU Langone Health
• Former leadership positions at H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and USC's Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

Research Focus:

Dr. Weber specialized in cancer immunotherapy and melanoma, focusing on translating laboratory findings into clinical practice. His work bridged the gap between basic scientists and clinical investigators, advancing cancer care through collaborative efforts.

Educational Contributions:

In 2021, Dr. Weber helped create a series of educational videos covering topics such as:

• Understanding, diagnosing, and treating melanoma
• Overview of genetic mutations in melanoma
• TIL cell therapy and clinical trials for melanoma

These resources continue to benefit patients, caregivers, and survivors throughout their melanoma journey.

Professional Service:

• MRF Scientific Advisory Council member
• MRF Breakthrough Consortium member
• Grant reviewer and mentor for MRF
• Reviewer of patient education materials

Dr. Weber's passing is mourned by the entire melanoma community, including patients, colleagues, and researchers. His work in advancing immunotherapy and melanoma treatment has left an indelible mark on the field, improving survival rates and treatment options for countless patients.

Reference:

Melanoma Research Foundation. In Memoriam: Jeffrey S. Weber, MD, PhD. Accessed August 21, 2024. https://melanoma.org/news-press/in-memoriam-jeffrey-s-weber-md-phd/