Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive, metastasized prostate cancer

Shocking news to hear in a statement released by former President Joseph Biden’s office on Sunday afternoon – “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. 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 family are discussing treatment alternatives with his physicians, which could include surgery, radiation of various types and chemotherapy. A 5 year survival rate for this type of cancer is 30 to 40%.

Biden is 82 years old. He is at home in Delaware. He was evaluated for a “small nodule” discovered on his prostate. His last Presidential exam was in February of 2024 at Walter Reed.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland in men located below the bladder. It’s the most common cancer among men. While most cases are treated successfully, according to the National Cancer Institute, understanding its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options is crucial.

Being hormone receptive allows the cancer to be treated with medication, expecting responsiveness.

Saying that he had new urinary symptoms, those symptoms may include: Frequent urination, especially at night, a weak urine stream, difficulty starting to urinate, or feeling like the bladder hasn’t fully emptied. Also, Blood in urine or semen, bone pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

Metastasis:

This is the process where cancer cells break away from the original tumor and travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Treatment for all types of prostate cancer can include:

Observation: For men with low-risk cancers, doctors may choose to monitor the cancer closely rather than immediately treat it. 

Surgery: Prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate gland, is a common treatment option. 

Radiation Therapy: Radiation can be used to kill cancer cells. 

Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy can help shrink or slow the growth of prostate cancer. 

Other Treatments: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and ablation therapies may also be used, depending on the stage and type of cancer.

For more information about prostate cancer go to Urology Health at: https://www.urologyhealth.org

This is a developing story