Dr. Roberta Saretta, coordinator of the team led by cardiologist Roberto Kalil at the Sírio-Libanês Hospital in São Paulo, recently spoke about the last moments of Preta Gil before her passing. She had been treating the artist from the beginning and witnessed the progression of Preta’s disease, who died in the United States at the age of 50 while seeking experimental treatment for intestinal cancer that spread to other organs. The initial diagnosis came in January 2023 when Preta experienced intestinal bleeding and sought medical attention in Rio de Janeiro.
After starting chemotherapy in Rio, Preta was transferred to Sírio-Libanês in São Paulo due to the unsatisfactory response to the initial treatment. Dr. Saretta explained that Preta’s tumor was of the ‘vilous’ type, known for creating resistance to medications. The doctor emphasized that the genetic component played a crucial role in her case, more so than dietary factors.
The connection between Saretta and the Gil family began through Preta’s father, Gilberto Gil, who had been a patient of Saretta’s for decades. Their significant encounter occurred during a celebration at the Gil household in Rio, where Preta humorously responded to Flora’s inquiry about the cake. Following the initial treatments, Preta remained in remission for a year before tests in 2024 revealed the spread of her tumor to the pelvic lymph nodes. In December of that year, she underwent extensive surgery to remove parts of her digestive system.
By March 2025, new tests showed metastases in the liver and lungs. Upon learning about her limited life expectancy, Preta candidly inquired about her options for treatment. Despite facing multiple rejections, a spot was eventually secured for her in a center in Virginia. The experimental treatment involved intravenous targeted therapy, but complications arose after four sessions, leading to an infection that paused the protocol for approximately ten days. Resuming briefly, Preta had to stop due to renal complications and disease progression.
When informed of the treatment cessation in New York, Preta was transported back to Brazil on a medical flight, where she tragically passed away shortly after landing. Throughout her treatment, Preta maintained her festive spirit, rarely complaining except for a minor request regarding a medical assistant. Witnessing her strength, Dr. Saretta marveled at Preta’s resilience and determination until the very end.
