Jerry Jones Reveals Decade-Long Battle with Cancer
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has disclosed for the first time that he fought and overcame a decade-long battle with stage 4 melanoma, a form of advanced skin cancer.In an exclusive interview with The Dallas Morning News, Jones, now 82, revealed that he was diagnosed in June 2010. His treatment journey included two surgeries on his lungs, two on his lymph nodes, and participation in a clinical trial for an experimental immunotherapy drug known as PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1). Jones credits this treatment, along with the expertise of his medical team at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, for saving his life. He stated, “I was saved by a fabulous treatment and great doctors and a real miracle [drug] called PD-1 [therapy]. I went into trials for that PD-1 and it has been one of the great medicines. I now have no tumors” .
The Significance of PD-1 Therapy
PD-1 therapy is a form of immunotherapy that has significantly improved survival rates for melanoma patients by enabling the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Jones’s successful treatment highlights the advancements in cancer care and the potential of immunotherapy in treating advanced cancers.
A Personal Revelation
Jones’s disclosure comes ahead of the release of a new Netflix documentary series, America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys, which subtly references his cancer journey. The documentary provides an in-depth look at Jones’s life and the challenges he has faced, both personally and professionally.
Ongoing Leadership
Despite his health battle, Jones has continued to lead the Dallas Cowboys, overseeing the team’s operations and strategic direction. Under his ownership, the Cowboys have become one of the most valuable franchises in the NFL, with a current valuation of $12.8 billion . Jones’s openness about his cancer battle serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating resilience and the importance of early detection and innovative treatments in the fight against cancer.
