Dolph Lundgren reveals cancer battle and misdiagnosis

Swedish actor Dolph Lundgren has revealed that he considered medical assistance in dying during his decade-long battle with cancer. In his new memoir, ‘Fights Worth Fighting: Finding Strength in Struggle’, the 68-year-old actor detailed the darkest periods of his illness, noting that he had discussed the possibility of ending his life with his brother, Johan Pramell.

Lundgren’s situation changed significantly following a medical misdiagnosis. After being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2015 and facing spreading tumors in 2020, he sought a second opinion from oncologist Alexandra Drakaki at UCLA Health. Dr. Drakaki discovered that the initial diagnosis was incorrect; the cells actually exhibited mutations common in lung cancer rather than kidney cancer.

This discovery allowed for a different treatment protocol that proved effective. Lundgren stated that the correct treatment significantly reduced his tumors, and he announced that he has been cancer-free as of 2024.