Veteran’s Remarkable Recovery: Targeted Therapy Triumphs Over Cancer

Veteran Finds New Hope in Targeted Therapy for Prostate Cancer

After facing multiple setbacks in his battle against prostate cancer, Ron Watson discovered a promising treatment near his home in Ankeny, which not only brought positive results but also allowed him to return to one of his favorite pastimes—playing baseball.

Story: UI Health Care Marketing and Communications

Photography: courtesy of Ron Watson

Published: Sept. 25, 2026

Ron Watson, a 54-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran and an active grandfather, was determined to combat his prostate cancer aggressively when diagnosed in July 2021. With a passion for life, he wanted to ensure he would witness his grandchildren grow up.

“I’m still young – I want to see my grandkids grow up!” he expressed.

Initially, Watson underwent surgery to remove his prostate, hoping this would eliminate the cancer risk entirely. For some time, his post-surgery results were promising until they showed otherwise. Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels during routine check-ups signaled that the cancer might still be present.

Unsettled by these developments, Watson was advised by a physician friend to seek a second opinion. He consulted Daniel Buroker, MD, JD, an oncologist with Mission Cancer + Blood at University of Iowa Health Care.

Watson was pleased with Buroker’s quick response and the comprehensive discussion about potential options, focusing on how the cancer and treatments impacted Watson’s daily life.

Although hormone therapy successfully reduced Watson’s PSA levels, it adversely affected his quality of life. He experienced severe fatigue, disturbed sleep, hot flashes, and depression. Despite support from family and medication, Watson found hormone treatments unsustainable due to these side effects.

Buroker next suggested radiation therapy, which initially helped but ultimately led to another increase in PSA levels. Scans revealed one lesion had grown into two.

Reflecting on the situation, Watson shared, “I knew it could get much more serious if we didn’t find another option.”