Actor Tannishtha Chatterjee has revealed that she is battling stage 4 oligo metastatic cancer. In her heartfelt message, the acclaimed actress thanked colleagues from the film industry for their support and shared words of “love and strength.”
She first disclosed her diagnosis on August 24, 2025, through Instagram. Reports suggest that while undergoing treatment, she continues to balance her health with family responsibilities.
What Is Oligo Metastatic Cancer?
The term “oligo” means “few.” In oligo metastatic cancer (OMD), the original cancer has spread, but only to a limited number of sites – usually between one and five visible on scans. Experts describe this as an intermediate stage between a localised tumour and widespread metastatic disease.
Because the disease burden is relatively low, some patients may benefit from aggressive, targeted local therapies such as stereotactic radiotherapy or surgery, in combination with systemic treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy. In select cases, this approach aims to extend disease control and may even achieve long-term remission.
In June 2025, reports also described Chatterjee’s illness as stage IV breast cancer, which aligns with an oligo-metastatic pattern when metastases are confined to only a few sites. Treatment strategies vary depending on the cancer type, extent of spread, and overall health. Care decisions are usually taken by a multidisciplinary oncology team after thorough imaging and pathology assessments.
Common Symptoms Of Oligo Metastatic Cancer
The symptoms of oligo metastatic cancer differ depending on the primary tumour and the organs affected. General red flags include:
1. Unexplained weight loss
2. New lumps or swelling
3. Unusual bleeding or persistent pain
4. Fever, night sweats, or extreme fatigue
When metastasis involves specific organs, more targeted symptoms may appear:
Bones – persistent pain, fractures
Brain – headaches, seizures, vision or balance issues
Lungs – breathlessness, ongoing cough, chest tightness
Liver – abdominal swelling, pain, jaundice
For patients with secondary breast cancer, common issues include fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, sleep problems, and widespread pain. Recognising these early and consulting a doctor promptly is crucial.
Precautions And Day-To-Day Care
Seek early medical advice: Do not ignore persistent or unusual symptoms. Early assessment can significantly broaden treatment options.
Adhere to treatment plans: Attend all scheduled scans and follow-ups. Ask your oncologist whether metastasis-directed therapies are suitable.
Prevent infections: During chemotherapy or targeted therapies, maintain strict hand hygiene, stay up to date with recommended vaccinations, and report fevers promptly.
Support overall health: Maintain a balanced diet, engage in light exercise as tolerated, and follow good sleep routines. Physiotherapy may help manage fatigue and physical discomfort.
Care for mental well-being: Psycho-oncology services, counselling, and patient support groups provide valuable emotional and social support.
Understand risk factors: Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, and protect against excessive sun exposure or infections linked to cancer risk.
Oligo metastatic cancer is a stage where cancer has spread, but only to a few areas. Unlike widespread cancer, it can sometimes be treated more aggressively using a mix of whole-body and targeted local treatments.
