Alex Trebek: Jeopardy! host to undergo more chemotherapy after 'dramatic' pancreatic cancer update

Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has announced he will resume chemotherapy to treat his pancreatic cancer, after previously thinking he was done with the treatment.

Trebek shared the update in a video on Tuesday, saying that “the course of pancreatic cancer treatment is not a straightforward affair”.

He then explained that his doctors thought over the summer that he was done with chemotherapy as he was “making such good progress”.

“That was a bit premature and certainly over-optimistic,” he said.

“I began immunotherapy but that didn’t go very well at all. My numbers went south dramatically and quickly”.

Trebek’s doctors are now “re-examining [his] situation” and it appears that he will be receiving more chemotherapy.

In keeping with the spirit he has displayed since first announcing his diagnosis in March, Trebek added: “Hey, they worked very well the first time so we’re expecting good results again.

“But please keep me in your good thoughts and prayers. Believe me, it means a lot.”

Trebek announced in March this year that he had been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. The announcement was met with a wave of public support for the host, who has earned fans across generations thanks to his 35-year Jeopardy! tenure.

http://players.brightcove.net/624246174001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5837728067001

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

In August, the host shared an optimistic update announcing his return to the game show’s new season and saying he was done with chemotherapy.

“I’m on the mend and that’s all I can hope for right now,” he said at the time.