Former US President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized (spread) to his bones, according to statements released by his office and confirmed by multiple news outlets over the weekend. The diagnosis followed the discovery of a small nodule on his prostate during a routine check-up after he reported increasing urinary symptoms, a common early sign of prostate issues.
Details of Biden’s Diagnosis
Diagnosis Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Cancer Type: Aggressive, high-grade prostate cancer
Gleason Score: 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating one of the most aggressive forms of the disease
Metastasis: Cancer has spread to the bones, marking it as advanced or stage 4 prostate cancer
Hormone Sensitivity: The cancer is hormone-sensitive, which allows for more effective management with certain therapies
Current Status: Biden and his family are consulting with his medical team to determine the best treatment plan
Public and Political Reactions
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum, including from President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris, both of whom expressed wishes for Biden’s swift recovery.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
What Is Prostate Cancer ?
Prostate cancer originates in the prostate gland, a small organ in the male reproductive system located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm.
How Common Is It?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, especially those over 65. In the United States, it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men, after lung cancer.
Symptoms
Early-stage prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis (more common in advanced cases)
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): Physical examination to detect lumps or abnormalities
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Blood test measuring PSA levels, which can be elevated in prostate cancer
- Imaging (MRI, ultrasound): To visualize the prostate and surrounding tissues
- Biopsy: Removal of prostate tissue for microscopic examination and grading
Grading and Staging: The Gleason Score
The Gleason grading system is used to assess how aggressive the cancer is by examining prostate tissue under a microscope. Scores range from 6 (least aggressive) to 10 (most aggressive). A score of 9, as in Biden’s case, indicates highly abnormal, fast-growing cancer cells with a high likelihood of spreading.
| Gleason Score | Aggressiveness | Prognosis |
| 6 | Low | Good |
| 7 | Intermediate | Moderate |
| 8–10 | High | Poorer, more aggressive |
Advanced Prostate Cancer and Bone Metastasis
When prostate cancer spreads beyond the prostate, it most commonly metastasizes to the bones. This marks the disease as stage 4 or metastatic prostate cancer, which is not curable but can be managed to slow progression and relieve symptoms.
Symptoms of bone metastasis include bone pain, fractures, and weakness. More than 60% of men with advanced prostate cancer develop bone metastases.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage, aggressiveness, and whether the cancer is hormone-sensitive. For advanced, metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer like Biden’s, typical options include:
- Hormone Therapy: Lowers testosterone levels to slow cancer growth
- Chemotherapy: Kills rapidly dividing cancer cells
- Radiation Therapy: Targets cancer in the prostate and bones
- Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Newer options for some patients
- Palliative Care: Focuses on symptom relief and quality of life
While these treatments can manage the disease and improve quality of life, they are not curative in cases where the cancer has spread to the bones.
Outlook and Next Steps
Although the diagnosis is serious, the hormone-sensitive nature of Biden’s cancer means there are effective management options available. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment strategies with his physicians. The coming weeks will clarify the specific approach and how he responds to therapy.
Advances in prostate cancer treatment have improved outcomes even for advanced cases, and many patients can maintain a good quality of life with appropriate care.
Summary
Joe Biden’s diagnosis of aggressive, metastatic prostate cancer underscores the importance of regular health screenings and awareness of prostate cancer symptoms, especially in older men. While his cancer is advanced, the fact that it is hormone-sensitive offers hope for effective management and symptom control.
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