- Former President Biden Faces Aggressive Prostate Cancer with Bone Metastasis: Joe Biden was diagnosed with Grade Group 5, Gleason score 9 prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, indicating an aggressive and advanced stage.
- The cancer is hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management through hormone therapy and other treatments.
- Treatment options include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation, with recent advances improving patient outcomes.
- Prostate cancer is common in older men, and while metastatic cancer has a lower survival rate, many patients live longer with modern therapies.
- Biden and his family are carefully reviewing treatment plans with medical experts and have received broad public support.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden, aged 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, a development announced by his personal office on May 18, 2025. This diagnosis has drawn significant public attention, not only because of Biden’s prominence but also due to the serious nature of the cancer described.
Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States, second only to skin cancer. The risk increases with age, making men over 65 particularly vulnerable. Biden’s diagnosis came after he noticed worsening urinary symptoms, prompting a medical evaluation that revealed a prostate nodule.
“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement continued. “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Medical tests classified his cancer as Grade Group 5 with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. The Gleason scoring system assesses how much cancer cells differ from normal prostate tissue, with higher scores indicating more aggressive and rapidly growing cancer. A score of 9 means the cancer cells are highly abnormal and likely to spread quickly.
What Does ‘Aggressive’ and ‘Metastatic’ Mean?
The term “aggressive” in cancer refers to how fast the cancer cells grow and spread. Biden’s cancer has metastasized, meaning it has moved beyond the prostate and established itself in his bones. This progression places the cancer at Stage 4, the most advanced stage, which typically requires more intensive treatment.
Bone metastasis can cause pain and other complications, but it also signals the need for systemic therapies that target cancer throughout the body rather than localized treatments.
Hormone Sensitivity and Its Importance in Treatment
Despite the aggressive nature, Biden’s cancer is reported to be hormone-sensitive. Prostate cancer growth is often driven by male hormones like testosterone. Hormone-sensitive cancers respond well to therapies that reduce hormone levels or block their effects, which can slow or shrink tumors.
This hormone sensitivity is a critical factor that gives doctors multiple effective treatment avenues, improving the chances of controlling the disease.
Treatment Options Being Considered
The former president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his medical team. Common treatments for metastatic prostate cancer include:
- Hormone Therapy: Medications or injections that lower testosterone levels to starve cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow.
- Chemotherapy: Used especially when hormone therapy is insufficient, chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells to reduce cancer spread.
- Radiation Therapy: Targeted radiation can help shrink tumors in the bones and relieve symptoms, potentially prolonging life.
Recent advances in prostate cancer research have expanded treatment choices, improving survival and quality of life even in advanced cases.
Prognosis and Survival Rates
Prostate cancer generally has a high survival rate, with about 97% of men surviving five years or more after diagnosis. However, when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate drops to approximately 37%.
Thanks to hormone sensitivity and modern treatments, patients with aggressive metastatic prostate cancer can often manage the disease effectively for extended periods.
Biden’s Personal and Family Approach
Following the diagnosis, Biden expressed gratitude for the support he and his family have received. They are actively engaged with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action. The announcement has also prompted widespread messages of encouragement from political figures and the public alike.
📑 Official Cancer Confession
Biden’s office finally, publicly admits Gleason-9 prostate cancer with bone spread—experts say it takes 4-6 YEARS to reach this stage. With 24/7 presidential physicians, did they ‘miss’ it, or was ushering Kamala into the Oval plan B? 10/17 pic.twitter.com/t0BgvnTPJp
— Next News Network 🇺🇲 (@NextNewsNetwork) May 19, 2025
This diagnosis highlights the importance of early detection and advances in cancer treatment, offering hope even in challenging cases like that of former President Biden.
Also Read | Jayson Tatum Shares Positive Post-Surgery Photo Following Achilles Tendon Injury
