Jerry Jones, the proprietor of the Cowboys, discloses his cancer diagnosis and attributes his treatment to an experimental medication
In a remarkable display of resilience, two NFL figures, Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and Brian Schottenheimer, the team's first-year coach, have bravely shared their personal cancer battles.
Jones, who made the announcement about his cancer diagnosis after practice on Wednesday, revealed that he is battling advanced melanoma. He is crediting an experimental trial drug, PD-1 therapy, for successfully treating his cancer.
PD-1 therapy is a form of immunotherapy that blocks PD-1 receptors on T-cells to prevent tumor-induced immune suppression, enabling the immune system to attack cancer cells. In advanced melanoma, PD-1 inhibitors like pembrolizumab are effective in inducing durable responses and extending survival, although resistance can still occur through mechanisms such as altered tumor antigen presentation.
Meanwhile, Schottenheimer, who underwent his treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, two years after being fired as Washington's quarterbacks coach, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2003 when he was 28 years old. His cancer was less severe compared to Jerry Jones' advanced melanoma.
Schottenheimer's treatment was arranged by Dan Snyder, the former owner of the Washington Commanders, who himself was treated for thyroid cancer. Interestingly, Schottenheimer's father, Marty Schottenheimer, was also a coach for the Washington Commanders.
Jones' fight with cancer has left a profound impact on Schottenheimer. He described Jones' story as an "amazing" one and praised him for going public with his diagnosis. Schottenheimer also shared his belief that cancer is a disease that does not discriminate against anyone.
The documentary series, "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys," in which Jones reveals his cancer diagnosis, will debut on Netflix next week. Jones has been through a gruelling journey, with skin cancer cells metastasizing to other parts of his body. He underwent two surgeries on his lung and two on his lymph nodes over the next 10 years.
In the world of professional sports, these stories serve as a reminder of the human spirit's capacity to endure and fight. The advancements in cancer treatment, such as PD-1 therapy, offer hope for those affected by this disease.
Science and health-and-wellness are brought together through therapies-and-treatments like PD-1 therapy, which has successfully treated Jerry Jones' advanced melanoma. Meanwhile, medical-conditions like thyroid cancer, as experienced by Brian Schottenheimer, can be managed with appropriate care and support.
