Cowboys' Jones: Experimental drug saved my life

Published: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 4:26 pm

Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Reveals Cancer Battle, Credits Experimental Drug for Saving His Life

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has revealed he battled stage 4 melanoma, a form of skin cancer that had spread to other parts of his body. In an upcoming Netflix documentary, "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys," Jones, 82, shared details of his diagnosis and treatment, crediting an experimental drug trial for saving his life.

Jones was diagnosed in June 2010 and began treatment shortly after. Over the next decade, he underwent two lung surgeries and two lymph node surgeries. He stated that he was treated at MD Anderson in Houston. The specific details of his treatment, including the name of the drug, were not disclosed in the interview. However, Jones did mention that he participated in trials for a PD-1 therapy, which he described as a "real miracle drug." He confirmed that he currently has no tumors.

PD-1 therapy, also known as programmed cell death-1 therapy, is a type of treatment that helps the immune system identify and attack cancer cells. According to the American Cancer Society, this type of therapy has significantly improved the outlook for patients with advanced melanoma. Previously, a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis was often fatal, with treatment primarily focused on managing symptoms and extending life. Recent advancements, including immunotherapies and targeted checkpoint inhibitors, have increased the chances of controlling the disease for extended periods. Advanced cases now have a five-year survival rate of approximately 50%, with some patients experiencing longer survival and even remission.

The Netflix series, which chronicles Jones' life and career, including his purchase of the Cowboys, the firing of Tom Landry, and the hiring of Jimmy Johnson, will feature Jones' account of his cancer battle.

BNN's Perspective:

Jerry Jones' story is a testament to the remarkable progress in cancer treatment. While the specifics of his treatment are not fully detailed, his experience highlights the potential of experimental therapies to offer hope and extend life for those facing a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. It also underscores the importance of ongoing research and the dedication of medical professionals in the fight against this devastating disease.

Keywords: Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys, cancer, melanoma, stage 4, PD-1 therapy, experimental drug, MD Anderson, immunotherapy, Netflix, America's Team, Jimmy Johnson, Tom Landry, skin cancer, cancer treatment, survival rate

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