Joe Biden Begins Radiation Therapy After Aggressive Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Former President Joe Biden has begun a course of radiation therapy as part of his treatment plan for prostate cancer, a spokesperson confirmed on Saturday. The announcement said Biden is receiving radiation therapy alongside hormone treatment.
What was announced
Biden’s office said the treatment is the next phase after routine scans and initial hormone medication. Republican and mainstream outlets reporting on the update note the radiation course is planned to last several weeks.
Background on the diagnosis
The former president was diagnosed in May with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that medical reports say has metastasized to bone. His biopsy showed a high Gleason score — a measure doctors use to grade prostate tumors — which places it in a high-risk category. The diagnosis was described as “hormone-sensitive,” meaning treatments that reduce or block male hormones (androgens) are expected to be effective components of care.
What the medical terms mean
A Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) indicates a high-grade tumor whose cells look very abnormal under a microscope and are more likely to grow quickly or spread. Hormone-sensitive disease often responds to androgen-deprivation therapies and can be managed with combined approaches such as hormone therapy plus radiation. These treatments aim to slow disease progression and relieve symptoms; outcomes vary by patient and response to therapy.
Recent steps & other care
Biden’s office previously confirmed he had started oral hormone medication earlier in his care plan. In September he also had a dermatologic procedure to remove skin cancer lesions. Officials say he is being closely monitored by his medical team.
What to expect
Radiation courses for localized or targeted metastatic sites are commonly delivered over several weeks; hormone therapy can continue alongside and after radiation. Physicians often individualize regimens based on imaging, symptoms, and response. Observers say the “hormone-sensitive” designation offers hope that the cancer can be controlled and managed for an extended period with modern therapies. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}