‘Thought surgery was the end': Dipika Kakar's husband Shoaib Ibrahim on her aggressive liver tumour; why recurrence risk remains high

Indian Express

3 days ago

Dipika Kakar, known for her roles in Sasural Simar Ka and Celebrity MasterChef, is currently undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer.
Her husband, actor Shoaib Ibrahim, has been keeping fans updated about her health via his YouTube channel. In a recent video, he shared that while no cancer cells are currently present in her body after her 14-hour-long surgery last month, the situation remains serious due to the aggressive nature of the tumour.
'Earlier, we thought that maybe if the tumour was removed, everything would be fine. As far as the body is concerned, there are currently no cancer cells present,' Shoaib said. 'However, the biopsy report that we received and the PET scan we reviewed indicated a more serious situation. The tumour was classified as grade three and poorly differentiated, which means it was quite aggressive. Uske chances kaafi hote hai re-occur karne ki (there are high chances of the cancer re-occurring).'
He also explained that Kakar will now begin targeted therapy, stating, 'After the surgery, the doctor prescribed medication. Although there are no cancer cells now, if any are detected in the future, the dosage will be increased, and she will receive medication intravenously. Her treatment will begin next week and will last for about two years. Scans will be conducted every three weeks.'
The couple had earlier revealed that doctors discovered a tumour 'the size of a tennis ball' in her liver after she experienced severe abdominal pain.
Dr Srinath, senior oncologist and founder at Asha Hospitals and Research Centre, told indianexpress.com, 'When a tumour is described as 'grade three' and 'poorly differentiated,' it refers to how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how aggressively they are likely to behave. Grade three tumours tend to grow faster and are more likely to spread compared to lower-grade tumours. 'Poorly differentiated' means the cancer cells have lost many of the characteristics of the normal cells they originated from, making them more unpredictable and aggressive.'
In terms of prognosis, he adds that such tumours 'may carry a higher risk of recurrence because they are more invasive in nature.' However, it is important to remember that treatment decisions today are highly individualised. Factors like the patient's overall health, how early the tumour was detected, how well it responds to treatment, and the type of therapy used all play crucial roles in long-term outcomes.
Targeted therapy is a form of cancer treatment that focuses on specific molecules or genetic markers that help cancer cells grow and survive. 'Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapy is designed to interfere with the specific pathways or mutations driving the cancer's growth. This makes it potentially more effective and often better tolerated, though not without its own side effects,' said Dr Srinath.
He said that in liver cancer, certain targeted drugs may block blood supply to the tumour or inhibit the proteins that the cancer cells depend on. Some patients also receive a combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy depending on their condition and genetic profile.
Kakar is scheduled for scans every three weeks during her two-year treatment. Dr Srinath said, 'Regular imaging and monitoring at short intervals, such as every three weeks, is a proactive approach in managing aggressive cancers. This close surveillance allows doctors to detect any signs of recurrence or spread at the earliest possible stage..'
During this phase, patients should keep track of any physical changes or new symptoms, no matter how minor they seem. Maintaining open communication with the care team is essential. Mental well-being also plays a big role in long-term outcomes, so patients and families are encouraged to seek support from counselors, support groups, or mental health professionals if needed.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.