What is prostate cancer, which Joe Biden has been diagnosed with? What are the treatments, and is it curable?

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive and advanced form of prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones, according to a medical report released Friday. The shocking diagnosis has sparked concern across the nation, especially as details confirm the cancer is metastatic and fast-growing, with a Gleason score of 9—a marker for one of the most severe cancer grades.

Doctors say although the cancer has already spread, it remains hormone-sensitive, which means it can still be treated to manage symptoms and slow its progression. Here's what you need to know about prostate cancer, Biden's diagnosis, treatment options, and what it means moving forward.

What is prostate cancer and why is it common among older men?

Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, a small part of the male reproductive system responsible for producing seminal fluid. It’s one of the most common cancers in men, especially those over 65. The disease often progresses quietly in its early stages, with many men experiencing no symptoms until it becomes advanced.

In Biden’s case, doctors noted that he began experiencing urinary issues, which are common warning signs in later stages. Additional tests revealed a prostate nodule, and biopsy results confirmed an aggressive form of the disease—already metastasized to the bones, making treatment more complex.

What does a Gleason score of 9 mean?

The Gleason score is used to evaluate how aggressive prostate cancer is. The scale ranges from 6 to 10, with higher scores indicating faster-growing and more dangerous cancer cells. A Gleason score of 9, or Grade Group 5, means the cancer is high-grade and likely to spread rapidly.

This type of diagnosis is particularly serious because it significantly lowers the chances of a cure—especially once it has reached the bones. However, treatments can still be effective in managing symptoms and extending life.

What treatments are available for Biden’s advanced prostate cancer?

Despite the cancer’s severity, Biden’s medical team is hopeful because his condition is hormone-sensitive, giving doctors several viable treatment paths. These may include:

• Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy - ADT): This is usually the first-line treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. It works by lowering testosterone, the hormone that fuels prostate cancer growth.
  
  
• Chemotherapy: Often used when hormone therapy alone isn’t enough. It targets rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body.
  
  
• Radiation Therapy: While not a cure in metastatic cases, it can help reduce bone pain and target specific problem areas.
  
  
• Bone-Targeting Treatments: Drugs like bisphosphonates or radiopharmaceuticals are used to relieve pain and prevent complications caused by bone metastases.
  
  
• Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy: In some cases, these treatments are used if the cancer has specific genetic markers or becomes resistant to standard therapies.
  
  

Surgery, such as radical prostatectomy, is not typically used once the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.

Can prostate cancer be cured after it spreads to the bones?

Once prostate cancer becomes metastatic—meaning it has spread to other parts of the body—it’s generally considered incurable. However, many men live for years with this diagnosis thanks to ongoing treatment and close monitoring.

The main goal of care shifts from curing the disease to managing symptoms, slowing its growth, and improving quality of life. In hormone-sensitive cases like Biden’s, doctors can still achieve significant progress in controlling the disease.

How has the public reacted to Biden’s diagnosis?

The announcement has led to an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. Current President Donald Trump released a brief statement wishing Biden strength and a full recovery, while Vice President Kamala Harris praised Biden’s resilience and decades of public service.

Public figures, advocacy groups, and cancer organizations have also joined in expressing solidarity, highlighting the importance of cancer awareness, screenings, and ongoing research. The diagnosis has touched many, especially as Biden remains one of the most recognizable elder statesmen in American politics.

What does this mean for Biden’s future?

Although Joe Biden is no longer the sitting president, his health continues to be of public interest given his legacy and influence. According to his medical team, he will undergo personalized, multi-step treatment, and specialists are confident that with the right care, he can continue to lead a meaningful and engaged life.

FAQs:

Q1: What kind of cancer does Joe Biden have?
Joe Biden has been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones. It is classified as high-grade with a Gleason score of 9.

Q2: Can this type of prostate cancer be cured?
While it’s rarely curable once it spreads to the bones, hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer can be treated effectively to manage symptoms and slow progression.