Thomas Gottschalk says he is 'currently cancer-free' after two operations and 33 radiation sessions

Diagnosis and treatment

Thomas Gottschalk, the 76-year-old German television legend and former host of "Wetten, dass..?", was diagnosed in spring 2025 with epithelioid angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that arises from cells lining blood or lymph vessels. The epithelioid variant predominantly affects men and typically involves deep soft tissue; the tumour is known for its rapid growth. Gottschalk made the illness public in November 2025, telling Bild newspaper, "I think it's time we put the cards on the table. I have cancer." His last public television appearance followed in December 2025. He underwent two multi-hour operations and 33 radiation sessions to combat the tumour. His wife Karina was present for every treatment, never leaving his side.

I never left him alone, not for a second.

Current status

On 18 July 2026, Gottschalk gave a positive update in a new Bild interview. "According to the doctors, I am currently cancer-free," he said. His latest PET scan, a sensitive imaging technique that detects metabolic activity, showed no cancer cells remaining in his body. "That's good news, and I'm of course very happy to be able to give that information." He must now attend check-ups every three months. He is not taking any regular medications at this time.

According to the doctors, I am currently cancer-free. My last PET scan showed that I no longer have any cancer cells in my body. That's good news, and I'm of course very happy to be able to give that information.

Vaccine trial

Gottschalk is participating in a research group at the Children's Hospital Greifswald that is testing a special cancer vaccine. He receives an injection every 14 days; so far he has had eight of a planned twelve doses. "I am getting a cancer vaccine. I have already received eight injections; twelve are planned in total," he told Bild. His wife Karina explained that the vaccine was originally developed for children, who often suffer from this aggressive cancer type, and can sometimes spare them chemotherapy. "What helps children might also help Thomas. That's why we're trying it," she said.

Children often have this nasty type of cancer that Thomas has. This vaccine was developed specifically for children, and it sometimes saves them from chemotherapy. What helps children might also help Thomas. That's why we're trying it.

Lifestyle changes

The TV star has adopted a new fitness regimen to strengthen his body. He does strength training two to three times a week with a personal trainer, goes for walks and swims in the pool with Karina. He also brushes his teeth with his left hand, following advice that it improves brain coordination and balance. "I follow the doctors and my personal trainer wherever I can," Gottschalk said. He added that he does not miss the stage, saying, "I never took myself that seriously. I never had the feeling: it won't work without me."

Looking ahead

Gottschalk will continue with quarterly check-ups and complete the remaining vaccine doses. The standard therapy for epithelioid angiosarcoma is surgical removal followed by radiation and sometimes chemotherapy; his treatment followed that path. The experimental vaccine approach being tested in Greifswald offers an additional layer of protection. The entertainer, who turned 76, remains under close medical supervision.