Nafisa Ali starts Targeted Therapy as ovarian cancer progresses to liver
Synopsis
Nafisa Ali has moved from chemotherapy to Targeted Therapy after a PET/CT scan revealed new cancer deposits on the surface of her liver — a sobering escalation in a battle she has fought publicly since 2018. Her candid Instagram post, combining clinical detail with quiet resolve, is a reminder of both the limits of standard treatment and the courage it takes to share such news openly.
Key Takeaways
Nafisa Ali has been placed on Targeted Therapy after her stage 4 ovarian and peritoneal cancer progressed.
A PET/CT scan revealed new cancer deposits on the surface of the liver .
She was first diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2018 ; the cancer returned at stage 4 last year.
She underwent surgery in April and completed 10 chemotherapy sessions before this protocol change.
The update was shared through her official Instagram handle on Sunday, 13 September 2026 .
Veteran actress Nafisa Ali revealed on Sunday, 13 September 2026 that her medical team has placed her on Targeted Therapy after her stage 4 ovarian and peritoneal cancer showed signs of progression, with new deposits detected on the surface of the liver. The disclosure, made via her official Instagram handle, marks a significant shift in the treatment protocol she has been following for several months.
What Nafisa Ali Said
Publishing a photograph of herself from the hospital, the 'Life in a... Metro' actress expressed gratitude to her supporters while explaining the development in accessible language. In her words: 'My treatment protocol has changed and now I have been put on Targeted Therapy… fighting the good fight. Thank you for always keeping my support energy strong.'
She further clarified the clinical picture, writing: 'In very simple terms The PET/CT suggests that the ovarian/peritoneal cancer has progressed, with new deposits on the surface of the liver.' The post drew an outpouring of prayers and recovery wishes from fans and fellow netizens.
Her Cancer Journey So Far
Nafisa was first diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2018 and underwent treatment at the time. The illness returned at an advanced stage — stage 4 peritoneal cancer — in the previous year, requiring renewed intervention. She underwent surgery in April and subsequently began a course of chemotherapy. By July, she had completed her 10th chemotherapy session, after which she flew to Goa for recuperation, sharing a candid beach photograph captioned: 'Happy did my 10th chemotherapy yesterday and flew to Goa today for my beach walk… the sea is my healer.'
What Targeted Therapy Means
Targeted Therapy differs from conventional chemotherapy in that it uses drugs specifically designed to identify and attack cancer cells based on particular molecular markers, generally causing less collateral damage to healthy tissue. For ovarian and peritoneal cancers that have progressed despite standard chemotherapy, oncologists often switch to targeted agents to address treatment-resistant disease. The shift in Nafisa's protocol suggests her cancer did not respond adequately to the chemotherapy regimen she had been on.
Outpouring of Support
The actress has consistently used her social media presence to keep fans updated on her health, framing her illness as a public journey to normalise conversations around cancer. Her openness has earned her widespread admiration, with followers and public figures alike regularly expressing solidarity. This latest update prompted another wave of well-wishes, underscoring the emotional connection she has built with her audience through her candour during an extraordinarily difficult period.
Nafisa Ali continues her fight, and further updates on her treatment progress are expected in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
She is effectively demystifying a disease that still carries enormous stigma in India. Her journey also quietly highlights the brutal reality of cancer recurrence, where a 'battle won' in 2018 became a stage 4 fight by 2025 — a pattern that underscores why long-term oncological surveillance matters as much as initial treatment.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Targeted Therapy and why has Nafisa Ali been put on it?
Targeted Therapy uses drugs engineered to attack cancer cells based on specific molecular markers, generally with fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy. Nafisa Ali has been placed on it because a PET/CT scan showed her stage 4 ovarian and peritoneal cancer has progressed, with new deposits appearing on the surface of the liver, indicating her previous chemotherapy protocol was no longer sufficient.
What stage of cancer does Nafisa Ali have?
Nafisa Ali has stage 4 peritoneal and ovarian cancer. She was originally diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2018, treated successfully, but suffered a recurrence at the more advanced stage 4 level in the previous year.
How many chemotherapy sessions did Nafisa Ali complete before switching treatment?
Nafisa Ali completed at least 10 chemotherapy sessions before her treatment protocol was changed to Targeted Therapy. In July, she had shared on Instagram that she completed her 10th session and travelled to Goa for recovery.
Where did Nafisa Ali share her latest health update?
She shared the update through her official Instagram handle on Sunday, 13 September 2026, posting a photograph from the hospital along with a detailed caption explaining her new treatment and the clinical findings from her PET/CT scan.
What does the PET/CT scan show about Nafisa Ali's condition?
According to Nafisa Ali's own post, the PET/CT scan indicates that her ovarian and peritoneal cancer has progressed, with new deposits detected on the surface of the liver. This finding was the primary reason for her shift from chemotherapy to Targeted Therapy.
