After a nine-year battle with cancer, Swedish actor Dolph Lundgren has announced that he is now cancer-free. The 67-year-old, best known for his role as Ivan Drago in “Rocky IV,” shared the uplifting news in a video posted on Instagram.
In the video, recorded from a hospital bed at UCLA, Lundgren stated, “Here I am at UCLA, I’m about to go in and get rid of that last tumor. Since there are no cancer cells in my body anymore, I guess I’ll be cancer-free, so I’m looking forward to this procedure.” He added, “It’s been a rough ride and really taught me how to live in the moment and enjoy every moment of life. I mean … .”
Lundgren’s health journey began in 2015 when doctors discovered a tumor in his kidney, which was successfully removed. However, in 2020, additional tumors were found, including one in his liver that had grown to the size of a lemon. At that time, he was given a prognosis of two to three years to live.
Seeking a second opinion in 2022, Lundgren consulted with Dr. Alexandra Drakaki at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Drakaki identified a specific mutation and adjusted his treatment plan accordingly. Within three months, his tumors had shrunk by 20% to 30%.
Throughout his treatment, Lundgren continued to work on film projects, including “Aquaman” and “Creed II.” Reflecting on his experience, he expressed gratitude and a renewed appreciation for life, stating that the journey taught him to “live in the moment and enjoy every … .”
Lundgren’s announcement has been met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow actors alike, celebrating his resilience and positive outlook throughout his health challenges.