Overview: Biden Starts Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Former President Joe Biden is undergoing radiation therapy as part of his treatment for prostate cancer, his spokesperson confirmed. At 82, Biden is also receiving hormone treatment as doctors manage an aggressive form of the disease that had spread to the bones. The radiation plan is described as a five-week course designed to target cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue.
What We Know About Biden’s Diagnosis
In May, the Biden team disclosed that his cancer is a high‑risk, aggressive variant characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. The Gleason score is a grading system for prostate cancer, with higher scores indicating more aggressive disease. Officials stressed that the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which can make it more amenable to certain treatments like hormone therapy in combination with radiation.
Radiation Therapy: Purpose and Expectations
Radiation therapy uses targeted ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells or stop them from dividing. In Biden’s case, the aim is to control the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life while the patient continues to be monitored. The five-week course suggests daily or near-daily treatment sessions, a common regimen for managing localized disease and certain metastatic patterns. Medical experts emphasize that such treatment is often paired with hormone therapy to enhance effectiveness and slow cancer progression.
Why Hormone Therapy Is Often Used
Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy, reduces the levels of male hormones that can fuel prostate cancer growth. When used alongside radiation, it can improve outcomes for patients with high-grade, metastatic disease. In Biden’s case, officials have indicated that hormone treatment is part of the broader strategy to manage the cancer, though details on the regimen have not been publicly disclosed.
Context: Biden’s Public Health Narrative
This announcement follows years of public engagement with cancer research initiatives. Biden has long supported cancer prevention and treatment efforts, including the Cancer Moonshot initiative he relaunched with his wife, Jill Biden, in 2022. The program aims to accelerate cancer research with the objective of significantly reducing cancer deaths by 2047. Biden’s decision to step back from the 2024 race and maintain a lower public profile aligns with a period focused on health and recovery.
What This Means for the President’s Schedule and Public Life
The radiation therapy plan entails ongoing medical visits and follow-up to monitor response and side effects. While the public narrative centers on treatment, experts note that “hormone-sensitive” cancer management can offer meaningful control of the disease over time. As with any medical journey, updates will reflect the patient’s comfort, efficacy of therapy, and the emergence of any new clinical information.
Broader Context: Prostate Cancer in Men
Prostate cancer remains a common health issue among men, with age being the most significant risk factor. The American Cancer Society notes that prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and early detection plus advanced therapies have dramatically improved outcomes for many patients. The combination of radiation therapy and hormone treatment represents a standard, evidence-based approach for high-risk or metastatic cases.
Looking Ahead
As Biden proceeds with his five-week radiation plan, the broader public interest centers on health, treatment advances, and the ongoing effort to improve cancer outcomes through research and public policy. For supporters and critics alike, the news underscores the reality that cancer can affect individuals across the political spectrum, reinforcing calls for sustained investment in science and patient care.
