Former President Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis of an aggressive prostate cancer with bone metastasis comes just months after leaving office, as doctors reveal the 82-year-old is facing a Gleason score of 9—one of the most severe classifications possible.
Key Takeaways
- Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with bone metastasis, indicating advanced disease.
- The diagnosis was made on May 16 following a routine physical exam that revealed a small nodule in his prostate.
- The cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which offers some treatment options despite the advanced stage.
- President Trump, former Vice President Harris, and other political figures have offered condolences and well-wishes to Biden and his family.
- Biden’s age of 82 presents additional challenges for treatment, with hormone therapy likely being the primary approach as surgery is typically not an option when cancer has spread to the bone.
Advanced Cancer Diagnosis Details
The office of former President Joe Biden announced on May 18 that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Medical evaluations conducted on May 16 revealed his cancer has a Gleason score of 9, placing it in Grade Group 5, the most severe classification for prostate cancer. This diagnosis followed Biden’s complaints of increasing urinary symptoms and the discovery of a small nodule in his prostate during a routine physical examination. The cancer has already metastasized to bone, indicating it has progressed beyond the initial site.
The diagnosis comes less than four months after Biden left office following the successful election of President Trump. Biden, at 82 years old, is the oldest person to have served as President, and his age presents additional complications for cancer treatment. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men and the second leading cause of cancer death in this demographic, with an estimated 313,780 new cases expected to be diagnosed in 2023 Stated Joe Biden.
Treatment Challenges and Options
Despite the severity of the diagnosis, medical professionals note that Biden’s cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which provides some treatment pathways. When prostate cancer has metastasized to bone, surgery is typically not an option, leaving hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy or ADT) as the primary approach to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Biden and his family are currently reviewing available treatment options with medical specialists.
“Joe is a fighter—and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery” Stated Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Gleason score of 9 is particularly concerning, as it indicates cancer cells that look very different from normal cells and suggests rapid growth and spread. While the overall five-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer is approximately 98%, this rate decreases significantly for advanced cases with metastasis. Biden’s medical team has not released comprehensive details about his prognosis, but the presence of bone metastasis indicates a more serious progression of the disease.
Bipartisan Support and Well-Wishes
In a demonstration of bipartisan goodwill, leaders from across the political spectrum have offered their support to the former president. President Trump was among the first to express his concern and well-wishes for Biden, setting a tone of compassion that transcends political differences in the face of serious health challenges. These expressions of support highlight how certain circumstances can briefly unite even the most divided political figures.
“[First Lady] Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery” Stated President Donald Trump.
This diagnosis follows Biden’s history of other health concerns, including a cancerous lesion removed from his chest in February 2023 and several non-melanoma skin cancers removed before he entered office. The American Cancer Society has expressed concern about the increasing rates of advanced prostate cancer diagnoses and continues to emphasize the importance of early detection through regular screening, particularly for men over 50 and those with additional risk factors.
