Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, shares that an experimental drug helped him recover from cancer.
In a remarkable turn of events, Jerry Jones, the iconic owner of the Dallas Cowboys, has shared his story of recovery from stage four melanoma, a type of skin cancer that had metastasized to other parts of his body. Jones, now 82 years old, is featured in the upcoming Netflix documentary "America's team: The Gambler and His Cowboys".
The series, set to premiere soon, documents Jones's journey as an owner of the Cowboys, from purchasing the team in 1989, to the team's successes in the 1990s, including winning three Super Bowls between 1992 and 1995. But it also delves into a lesser-known chapter of Jones's life - his battle with cancer.
In 2010, Jones was diagnosed with stage four melanoma. He underwent extensive treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, including two lung surgeries and two lymph node surgeries. A crucial part of his treatment was his participation in a clinical trial for PD-1 therapy, an experimental immunotherapy drug.
PD-1 therapy, according to the American Cancer Society, targets a protein that normally suppresses immune attack to prevent damage to healthy cells. By inhibiting PD-1, this therapy enables T cells to overcome the "off switch" and destroy melanoma cells. Jones, in his own words, has referred to PD-1 therapy as a "real miracle" and one of the great medicines that saved his life.
Today, Jones is tumor-free, a testament to the transformative impact of immunotherapy and clinical trials in cancer treatment. His recovery after advanced melanoma, a condition usually associated with poor prognosis, serves as a beacon of hope for many.
Jones's story is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for medical advancements to change the course of life. As the NFL's most recognizable owners, Jones's journey serves as an inspiration not just to Cowboys fans, but to everyone battling cancer and seeking hope.
[1] American Cancer Society. (n.d.). PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/treatment/immunotherapy/immunotherapy-drugs/checkpoint-inhibitors/checkpoint-inhibitor-drugs/pd-1-and-pd-l1-inhibitors.html [2] ESPN. (2021, April 16). Jerry Jones: 'I have no tumors' after cancer treatment. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31365290/jerry-jones-no-tumors-after-cancer-treatment
- The upcoming Netflix documentary "America's team: The Gambler and His Cowboys" will not only feature Jerry Jones's journey as an owner of the Dallas Cowboys, but also his significant battle with stage four melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
- Jerry Jones's treatment for his cancer included immunotherapy, specifically PD-1 therapy, which targets a protein that normally suppresses the immune system's attack on cancer cells.
- In recognizing the effectiveness of PD-1 therapy, Jerry Jones refers to it as a "real miracle" and one of the great medicines that saved his life.
- Jones's recovery from advanced melanoma, a condition generally associated with a poor prognosis, serves as a sign of hope for those battling various medical conditions, particularly other forms of cancer, and emphasizes the possibilities of health-and-wellness advancements in society.
