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- calendar_today October 11, 2026
Dolph Lundgren’s Cancer Battle: Years of Misdiagnosis
Swedish actor Dolph Lundgren’s journey with cancer has taken a dramatic turn, revealing the profound impact of a misdiagnosis not just on medical treatment, but on personal decisions and mental health. Chronicled in his new memoir, Fights Worth Fighting: Finding Strength in Struggle, Lundgren discusses how years of cancer treatment—and a moment of potentially life-altering doubt—eventually led to an extraordinary medical revelation that changed his outlook and options.
Initial Kidney Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Lundgren’s experience with cancer began in 2015, when doctors discovered a tumor in his kidney. The tumor was surgically removed and Lundgren diligently attended regular scans. For years, the situation seemed managed. However, by 2020, new tumors appeared, intensifying his struggle. Six additional tumors were removed, but one continued to grow and soon became inoperable. Despite these health challenges, Lundgren continued working, filming The Expendables 4 among other projects. Privately, however, the prognosis he received was far grimmer; his doctors warned he might have only two to three years left—perhaps even less.
The Psychological Toll and Thoughts of Assisted Suicide
During the most challenging period of his illness, the toll was not only physical but also deeply emotional. Lundgren describes how the unyielding nature of his cancer treatment led him to consider assisted suicide, a topic he candidly discusses in his memoir. He confided in his brother, Johan, about the possibility of traveling to a European country where assisted dying is legal under specific conditions if his suffering became unbearable or he could no longer make decisions. No travel was booked, and the idea never moved beyond the discussion, but the contemplation reflected just how dire his situation had become.
A Critical Oncologist Review and New Biopsy Results
The trajectory of Lundgren’s battle changed markedly after he met Dr. Alexandra Drakaki, an oncologist at UCLA Health. Drakaki reviewed his case, ordered a new biopsy, and discovered a mutation commonly associated with lung cancer. This key finding contradicted years of previous kidney cancer diagnosis and subsequently opened a new avenue for cancer treatment. Drakaki prescribed a drug typically used to treat lung cancer targeting the identified mutation. This shift—prompted by an oncologist review and fresh biopsy results—not only altered Lundgren's medication but also marked a critical turning point in his cancer survival story.
Rapid Tumor Shrinkage and Renewed Hope
The new treatment led to impressive results. Within about three months, Lundgren’s tumors had shrunk by approximately 20% to 30%. Over time, Lundgren estimated that some tumors had reduced by as much as 90%, with Drakaki confirming during a 2023 interview that some lesions were no longer visible. Previously facing a bleak prognosis, Lundgren was now told that it might be possible to keep the cancer under control for years rather than months—a testament to the impact of accurate cancer diagnosis and adaptive treatment strategies.
The Broader Significance of Cancer Misdiagnosis
Lundgren’s ordeal underscores that a cancer diagnosis affects more than just treatment planning—it influences how patients and families approach the future and even decisions about life and death. His experience highlights the importance of revisiting medical conclusions, especially when conventional treatments fail, and seeking second opinions through oncologist review. A single misdiagnosis can have consequences far beyond clinical settings. Lundgren’s story serves as a cautionary tale about medical certainty and the value of persistence in diagnosis and care.
Source: southwestjournal.com.
