Singer Preta Gil, diagnosed with colorectal cancer in January 2023, passed away on July 20, 2025, at age 50, in Washington, United States, where she sought a last hope through an experimental targeted therapy at the Virginia Cancer Institute. After exhausting treatment options in Brazil, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and two complex surgeries, the artist opted for a cutting-edge clinical trial protocol, still in its final phase, using drugs tailored to her tumor’s specific mutations. The treatment, started in April 2025, did not yield the expected results, and Preta passed away after her condition worsened. Her decision to seek alternatives in the US reflects the pursuit of advanced therapies unavailable in Brazil.
Preta Gil’s fight against colorectal cancer began over two years ago when symptoms like intestinal discomfort led her to seek medical help. The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, a common malignant tumor in the digestive tract, marked the start of an intensive treatment journey. After initial chemotherapy and radiation sessions in Brazil, she underwent surgery in August 2023 to remove the tumor and uterus, followed by a second 21-hour surgery in December 2024 to address tumors in four other body regions.
Despite a brief period of remission, the cancer returned aggressively, with metastases in lymph nodes, ureter, and peritoneum. Chemotherapy in Brazil failed to halt the disease’s progression, prompting Preta to seek experimental options in the US. Accompanied by family and friends, she settled in New York, traveling regularly to Washington for intravenous medication, including a combination of bevacizumab and fluorouracil, administered every 12 days.
- Key moments in Preta Gil’s journey:
- January 2023: Colorectal cancer diagnosis after hospitalization in Rio de Janeiro.
- August 2023: Surgery to remove the tumor and uterus, followed by temporary remission.
- August 2024: Cancer returns in four body regions, requiring another surgery.
- May 2025: Start of experimental treatment in the US, focusing on targeted therapy.
What is targeted therapy and how it works
The targeted therapy used by Preta Gil is an innovative approach to cancer treatment, distinct from conventional chemotherapy as it directly targets specific genetic mutations in the tumor. Unlike traditional methods that attack both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy uses drugs that identify tumor genetic markers, blocking their growth or inducing their destruction with greater precision. In Preta’s case, the Virginia Cancer Institute’s clinical protocol combined bevacizumab, which inhibits blood vessel formation feeding the tumor, with fluorouracil, a palliative chemotherapeutic agent.
This technique is applied in clinical trials for patients who have exhausted conventional options, as in Preta’s case, whose cancer showed resistant metastases. Eligibility for these treatments depends on detailed genetic analyses identifying specific tumor mutations, such as those in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Though promising, targeted therapy is not effective for all patients, as outcomes depend on the tumor’s genetic profile and the patient’s overall condition.
- Benefits of targeted therapy:
- Greater precision in targeting cancer cells.
- Reduced side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
- Possibility of personalization based on the tumor’s genetic profile.
- Application in advanced or treatment-resistant cases.
Why seek treatment in the United States
Preta Gil’s decision to seek treatment in the US reflects a reality faced by many patients with complex cancer cases. The United States leads globally in clinical trials, with over 3,000 active oncology studies, compared to about 100 in Brazil. This disparity stems from advanced infrastructure, robust funding, and faster regulatory processes, such as those of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which accelerate experimental drug approvals.
Preta was approved for a clinical protocol at the Virginia Cancer Institute after evaluations at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a leading global cancer research facility. She traveled to the US in May 2025, staying in a New York apartment and traveling 360 km to Washington for treatments. The choice of experimental therapies came after chemotherapy in Brazil failed to stop the disease, which had spread to lymph nodes, ureter, and peritoneum.
- Factors attracting patients to the US:
- Access to drugs still in testing, unavailable in Brazil.
- Infrastructure of world-class medical centers.
- Higher volume of clinical trials with innovative protocols.
Preta Gil’s public journey
Preta Gil openly shared her cancer battle with the public, using social media to update fans on her health and treatments. On Instagram, she expressed gratitude for the support from friends, family, and fans, who sent messages of strength and prayers. During her time in the US, she received visits from figures like Ivete Sangalo, Claudia Raia, Regina Casé, and her father, Gilberto Gil, who supported her in critical moments.
In one of her final posts, Preta shared a photo receiving intravenous medication, accompanied by a Cazuza quote, reflecting her resilience: “One more dose, of course I’m up for it.” Her transparency in addressing cancer inspired many, while shedding light on the importance of early diagnosis and the pursuit of innovative treatments.
- Impacts of Preta’s visibility:
- Awareness of the importance of regular colorectal cancer screenings.
- Highlighting the need for more clinical trials in Brazil.
- Inspiration for patients facing serious illnesses.
Limitations and challenges of targeted therapy
Though a significant advance in oncology, targeted therapy faces challenges that limit its effectiveness. The response varies depending on the cancer type and patient condition, and not all tumors have mutations responsive to specific drugs. In Preta Gil’s case, the combination of bevacizumab and fluorouracil failed to halt the disease’s progression, which worsened in July 2025, leading to her death.
Additionally, access to experimental treatments is restricted, requiring significant financial resources and eligibility approval. In Brazil, limited clinical trial availability and delays in new drug approvals by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) hinder access to innovative therapies, forcing patients to seek options abroad.
- Main obstacles of targeted therapy:
- High cost, often inaccessible to most patients.
- Need for complex genetic testing to determine eligibility.
- Limited effectiveness in tumors without specific mutations.
- Restricted access to clinical trials, especially outside the US.
Advances in colorectal cancer research
Colorectal cancer, as diagnosed in Preta Gil, is the second most common cancer among women in Brazil, behind only breast cancer. It develops from polyps in the large intestine, which can evolve into malignant tumors. Early detection through colonoscopies and routine exams significantly increases cure rates, with survival rates above 90% in early stages.
Targeted therapy, as used by Preta, is among the most promising approaches, alongside immunotherapies and cellular therapies like CAR-T, which modifies the patient’s T-cells to fight cancer. Despite advances, research in Brazil faces barriers such as lack of funding and infrastructure, limiting access to cutting-edge treatments.
- Strategies for colorectal cancer prevention:
- Regular colonoscopies starting at age 45.
- Adopting a diet rich in fiber and low in fats.
- Avoiding excessive consumption of red and processed meats.
- Monitoring symptoms like rectal bleeding or persistent abdominal pain.
Emotional support and Preta Gil’s legacy
During her cancer battle, Preta Gil emphasized the importance of emotional support from friends and family. The presence of her son, Francisco Gil, and close figures like Bela Gil and Flora Gil was crucial to her strength during treatment. She also highlighted the role of spirituality, mentioning on social media her trust in science and the positive energy from her followers.
Preta’s legacy extends beyond her artistic career. Her public fight against cancer brought visibility to the disease, encouraging discussions on prevention, early diagnosis, and the need for advancements in oncology research in Brazil. Her transparency in sharing her journey inspired patients and reinforced the importance of facing the disease with courage and hope.
- How Preta inspired others:
- Openly sharing her cancer experience.
- Advocating for the importance of regular medical follow-ups.
- Encouraging the pursuit of innovative treatments, even in challenging scenarios.