Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt received a lung cancer diagnosis during the COVID-19 lockdown, a moment that left him deeply shaken. In a recent podcast interview by YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia the actor revealed, “I did cry for two-three hours because I was thinking of my kids, life, my wife, everything,” reflecting on the emotional turmoil that followed the diagnosis.
At first, Sanjay Dutt refused chemotherapy, haunted by the memory of his mother and first wife both succumbing to cancer and believing treatment would only prolong suffering. But when he saw his family’s spirits falter in response to his decision, he resolved to fight for their sake as much as his own. He initially planned to seek treatment in the United States, but his visa application was denied due to Covid. Following that setback, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, himself a cancer survivor stepped in to help. Roshan recommended Dr. Sewanti Limaye, a precision oncology expert, who ultimately guided Dutt’s treatment process.
Under Dr. Limaye's guidance at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, Sanjay Dutt received precision oncology treatment, tailored specifically to the molecular characteristics of his cancer. His PD-L1 biomarker tested positive, making him a suitable candidate for immunotherapy, used alongside chemotherapy to treat his advanced stage lung cancer.
Despite undergoing full courses of chemotherapy, Dutt maintained a disciplined exercise routine.
He also played badminton for two to three hours post the treatment sessions in Dubai, and at one point, filmed a scene hanging upside down from a harness for six hours, right after a chemotherapy session.
By October 2020, he publicly announced that he was cancer-free, attributing his recovery to both advanced medical treatment and mental resilience.
Sanjay Dutt’s PD-L1 positive status made immunotherapy a viable and effective option. Precision oncology, with immunotherapy guided by genetic markers can yield rapid, durable responses even in advanced lung cancer, underscoring the importance of molecular diagnostics.
According to study published in Pubmed, maintaining physical activity during chemotherapy may support recovery and improve quality of life.[1] Dutt’s commitment to workouts during treatment illustrates the potential benefits of integrating physical rehabilitation strategies into oncology care.
References:
1. Walker, R. C., Pezeshki, P., Barman, S., Ngan, S., Whyte, G., Lagergren, J., Gossage, J., Kelly, M., Baker, C., Knight, W., West, M. A., & Davies, A. R. 2024. Exercise During Chemotherapy for Cancer: A Systematic Review. Journal of Surgical Oncology 130 (8): 1725–1736. https://doi.org/10.1002/jso.27845. PMC11849706.
(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)