Home / Health / Actor Alex Duong Dies After Rare Cancer Battle at 42
Actor Alex Duong Dies After Rare Cancer Battle at 42
30 Mar
Summary
- Alex Duong, known for 'Blue Bloods,' died at 42.
- He battled a rare, aggressive cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
- The cancer led to vision loss and substantial medical debt.
Actor and comedian Alex Duong passed away at 42 following a year-long struggle with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. This rare and aggressive cancer affects soft tissues and can spread rapidly, presenting a significant challenge, particularly in adults.
Duong's diagnosis came after experiencing headaches and visible swelling in his left eye. The disease progressed rapidly, causing vision loss and leading to over $400,000 in medical expenses. His cancer eventually spread to his spine, rendering him bedridden.
Rhabdomyosarcoma, while more prevalent in children, occurs in adults too. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is noted for its high recurrence and metastasis rates in adults, carrying the worst prognosis among rhabdomyosarcoma types. The exact cause remains undetermined due to its rarity, with only several hundred cases reported annually in the U.S.
Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. While cures are possible, the Cleveland Clinic notes that adults generally have a lower chance of recovery compared to children.
