Update on Joe Biden’s Prostate Cancer Treatment
Former president Joe Biden is undergoing a new phase in his cancer care, his spokesperson has confirmed. After revealing earlier this year that he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Biden’s treatment plan has evolved to include radiation therapy combined with hormone treatment. The five-week radiation course marks a key step in managing a disease that has metastasized to the bone, according to statements from his team and public disclosures.
What the Treatment Entails
Radiation therapy is a common approach for controlling localized and certain metastatic prostate cancers. In Biden’s case, the joining of radiation with hormone therapy (also known as androgen deprivation therapy) aims to slow cancer growth by reducing testosterone levels, which can fuel the disease. The team has indicated that the patient has already been receiving a pill-form hormone medication, and the radiation portion is slated to run for five weeks. This combined strategy is designed to manage disease activity, palliate symptoms, and potentially improve long-term outcomes when the cancer shows a hormone-sensitive profile.
Context on the Diagnosis
Biden has previously described his cancer as having a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with bone metastasis—an indicator that cancer cells appear very abnormal and are likely to grow quickly. Medical experts note that metastasis to bone often requires systemic therapy, which can include hormone treatment alongside radiation for targeted disease control. Public reports also mention prior skin cancer treatment, illustrating the range of health concerns the former president has faced in recent years.
Implications for Biden and Public Health Messaging
The Biden team emphasizes that the president is “doing well” and remains in good spirits as he proceeds with treatment. For supporters and the public, the situation underscores several realities about cancer care in older adults: the role of hormone therapy in hormone-sensitive cancers, the place of radiation therapy as a localizing or adjunctive measure, and the overall course of treatment that can extend across weeks to months. While the news highlights a high-profile figure navigating cancer, experts say the core lessons apply broadly—early detection, a clear treatment plan, and ongoing monitoring are central to effective management of prostate cancer in older men.
What’s Next
As Biden completes the radiation therapy cycle, clinicians will continue to assess response through monitoring of symptoms, imaging, and laboratory markers. Decisions about continuing or adjusting hormone therapy will hinge on treatment response and potential side effects. Public health observers may also watch for how the administration communicates health updates to balance transparency with privacy and medical considerations.
Broader Context
Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men in the age group Biden represents. While many cases are low-risk and require active surveillance, more aggressive forms with metastasis necessitate a multi-modality approach, including radiation and hormone therapy. In parallel with high-profile cases, experts reiterate the importance of routine screening, discussing PSA testing with healthcare providers, and understanding individual risk factors. The evolving treatment landscape continues to offer options that can manage the disease effectively when detected and treated promptly.
