Former President Joe Biden, aged 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his personal office announced Sunday. The diagnosis, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicates a high-grade cancer that has metastasized to the bone, marking a serious but manageable condition due to its hormone-sensitive nature.
The diagnosis followed Biden’s report of increasing urinary symptoms last week, which led doctors to identify a “small nodule” on his prostate. Further evaluation on Friday confirmed the presence of prostate cancer. A Gleason score of 9 signifies that the cancer cells are highly abnormal and likely to grow and spread rapidly, placing it in the highest risk category. Metastasis to the bone indicates the cancer has advanced beyond the prostate, a development described as “very serious and not curable” by medical experts, though newer treatments offer hope for extended quality of life.
Dr. Alan Tan, genitourinary section lead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, noted that while a Gleason 9 score denotes an aggressive cancer, the hormone-sensitive nature of Biden’s condition allows for effective management through therapies like androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which reduces testosterone levels that fuel prostate cancer growth. “The cancer’s behavior depends on further imaging, like a PET scan,” Tan said, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment planning.
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Orlando Health, added that even with bone metastasis, patients can maintain a good quality of life with tailored treatments, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation. However, he cautioned that treatments must be carefully selected to avoid side effects like memory or mood changes, particularly given Biden’s age.
Treatment Outlook
Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians. The hormone-sensitive nature of the cancer is a critical factor, as it responds well to testosterone-blocking therapies. According to Dr. Céline Gounder, the goal for an 82-year-old patient like Biden is not necessarily a cure but to control the disease, slow its progression, and preserve quality of life. Recent advancements in hormonal and chemotherapy treatments have shown “impressive results” in extending longevity for patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
The treatment timeline remains uncertain, with experts estimating it could take weeks to finalize a plan. Biden’s reported good functional health may allow for more aggressive treatment options, though overtreatment risks must be balanced to avoid compromising his well-being.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. men, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, and the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, with an estimated 313,780 new cases and 35,770 deaths projected for 2025, per the National Institutes of Health. About one in eight men will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and the risk increases with age.
This is not Biden’s first encounter with cancer. In March 2023, he underwent a procedure to remove a common type of skin cancer from his chest. Despite health concerns raised during his presidency, including speculation about cognitive decline, a February 2024 physical declared him “fit to serve” as an active 81-year-old. The recent diagnosis adds to a personal history marked by cancer, as Biden’s son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of support across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump expressed condolences on Truth Social, stating, “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.” Former Vice President Kamala Harris called Biden a “fighter,” adding, “I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.” Democratic Representative Ro Khanna and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also issued statements of support, reflecting bipartisan empathy.
Posts on X revealed mixed sentiments, with some users expressing sympathy and others questioning the timing or credibility of the announcement, though these claims lack substantiation. The diagnosis has sparked discussions about Biden’s health transparency during his presidency, particularly after reports in a new book, Original Sin, alleged that aides concealed the extent of his health issues.
Implications and Next Steps
Biden’s diagnosis comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over his post-presidency activities and legacy. While the cancer’s aggressive nature poses significant challenges, its hormone-sensitive profile offers a pathway for effective management. The former president’s resilience, underscored by his long political career and personal losses, will likely shape his approach to this health battle.
As Biden navigates treatment decisions, the focus remains on balancing aggressive intervention with quality of life. His office has not disclosed specific treatment plans but emphasized that the former president and his family are working closely with medical experts. The nation watches with hope as Biden, a figure known for perseverance, confronts this latest challenge.
