Debi Weiss, a 72-year-old Pilates instructor, initially dismissed her growing weakness and shortness of breath as a bout of the flu. But what began as a seemingly common illness quickly revealed itself to be something far more serious: an aggressive form of cancer. Her story, recently highlighted by CBS News, underscores the importance of persistent medical investigation and the potential of cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments in the face of challenging diagnoses.
By March 2024, Weiss’s condition had deteriorated significantly. She found herself unable to walk her dog and battling constant exhaustion. A visit to her primary care physician led to testing that suggested diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a fast-growing cancer of the lymphatic system, according to the Mayo Clinic. Subsequent blood tests and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, delivering a shock to Weiss, who had previously volunteered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Debi Weiss.
Credit: Atlantic Health
Weiss underwent chemotherapy, initially experiencing positive results with fatigue as her primary side effect. But, just one month after completing treatment, imaging revealed the lymphoma had recurred—and had spread to her brain. Dr. Charles Farber, a hematologist-oncologist at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center, described her prognosis at that point as “dismal.” Despite the grim outlook, a potential path forward emerged: personalized immunotherapy.
The treatment option, known as CAR T-cell immunotherapy, involves re-engineering a patient’s own immune cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. As Dr. Mohamad Cherry, the medical director of hematology at Atlantic Health, explained, the process involves removing T-cells, genetically modifying them, and then infusing them back into the body “like a blood transfusion.” Weiss, maintaining a hopeful outlook, readily embraced the opportunity. “I’m a bit naive,” she told CBS News. “When I’m told something’s going to operate, I believe it.”
The CAR T-cell infusion took place in January 2025. Weiss described the experience with a touch of whimsy, recalling how nurses drew Pac-Man figures on a whiteboard, visualizing her re-engineered cells “Pac-Manning” their way through the cancer. Remarkably, Weiss experienced no side effects from the treatment and gradually regained her strength, eventually returning to her daily routines, including walking her dog.
Debi Weiss’ doctors.
Credit: Atlantic Health
Weiss is now in complete remission, though she will continue to undergo scans every four to six months to monitor for any signs of recurrence, according to Dr. Farber. Beyond the medical victory, Weiss says the experience has shifted her priorities. She now prioritizes spending time with family and pursuing activities she genuinely enjoys, a newfound freedom she attributes to her health journey. “Life is better than it was before in a lot of ways,” she said. “Your priorities change.”
The success of Weiss’s treatment highlights the growing promise of CAR T-cell immunotherapy for aggressive lymphomas, offering hope to patients facing challenging diagnoses. While not a cure-all, this innovative approach represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, particularly for those who have exhausted other options. The Atlantic Health team continues to refine and expand access to these potentially life-saving therapies.
A supportive sign for Debi Weiss.
Credit: Atlantic Health
Debi Weiss’s case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, persistent medical care, and the potential for innovative treatments to overcome even the most daunting health challenges. She will continue regular monitoring with scans every four to six months to ensure the lymphoma remains in remission.
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