Biden Undergoing Radiation, Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former President Joe Biden is receiving radiation and hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer. Diagnosed after leaving office, his cancer has spread to the bone. His treatment follows a Gleason score of 9, indicating high aggressiveness.
Biden Prostate Cancer Treatment Quick Looks
- Former President Joe Biden undergoing radiation and hormone therapy.
- Diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer announced in May 2025.
- Cancer has metastasized to the bone, increasing treatment urgency.
- Biden’s Gleason score of 9 indicates a highly aggressive form.
- He previously reported urinary issues before diagnosis.
- At 82, Biden stepped away from politics earlier this year.
- Dropped reelection bid after poor 2024 debate performance.
- Vice President Kamala Harris lost election to Donald Trump.
- Biden recently had skin cancer lesions removed from his forehead.
- His office continues to update the public on treatment progress.
Biden Undergoing Radiation, Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — Former President Joe Biden is undergoing radiation and hormone therapy as part of an aggressive treatment plan for prostate cancer, according to a statement from his post-presidential office released Saturday.
The 82-year-old Democrat, who left office in January 2025, began this new phase of treatment after a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer was publicly revealed in May. At that time, his team disclosed that the cancer had already metastasized to the bone, signaling a serious progression of the disease.
“As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” said Biden spokesperson Kelly Scully.
Biden’s condition is considered highly aggressive, according to his medical team. His cancer has been graded with a Gleason score of 9, placing it among the most severe forms of prostate cancer. The Gleason scoring system, which ranges from 6 to 10, helps oncologists assess the likely behavior of the cancer, with scores of 8 to 10 representing fast-growing and potentially life-threatening tumors.
His diagnosis followed reports of urinary symptoms, which led to further testing and confirmation of the disease. Since the announcement in May, Biden has maintained a relatively low public profile, focusing on treatment and recovery while continuing to make occasional public appearances.
In addition to the prostate cancer diagnosis, Biden also underwent surgery last month to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead, further underscoring the multiple health challenges he faces in retirement.
Biden’s medical disclosures come at a time when public scrutiny over his health and fitness has remained high. In mid-2024, he ended his campaign for reelection following a widely criticized debate performance against former President Donald Trump. The debate reignited concerns about his age, physical stamina, and cognitive sharpness. After Biden exited the race, then-Vice President Kamala Harris took the Democratic nomination but ultimately lost the election to Trump, who reclaimed the presidency.
Despite his departure from the political stage, Biden’s team has continued to provide occasional updates on his health. His current treatment—combining radiation and hormone therapy—is a standard approach for managing advanced prostate cancer, especially when the disease has spread beyond the prostate gland.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to target and destroy cancer cells, often in the bones and surrounding tissues. Hormone therapy works by reducing or blocking the production of testosterone, a hormone that fuels the growth of many prostate cancers.
Doctors commonly use this dual-approach to slow the progression of aggressive cancers, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. However, treatment outcomes vary significantly depending on a patient’s age, overall health, and how far the cancer has spread.
President Biden’s team has not disclosed a specific prognosis or timeline for treatment but indicated that he is following the guidance of a team of oncologists and specialists.
As a former president, Biden’s health continues to be of public interest, especially given his long history of public service and the legacy he leaves behind. While no longer an active political figure, Biden remains a symbolic leader within the Democratic Party and a subject of media focus, particularly as he navigates these serious health challenges.
In previous years, Biden has been treated for other minor health issues, but the prostate cancer diagnosis represents the most serious condition disclosed during or after his presidency.
For now, Biden is focused on undergoing treatment while remaining in close contact with family, friends, and medical advisors.
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