Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with “an aggressive form” of prostate cancer, which carries a five-year survival rate of about 30% to 40%.
This diagnosis includes a Gleason score of 9 and a grade group of 5, indicating that the cancer is “pretty advanced,” according to experts.
Dr. Marc Siegel noted, “It’s the most aggressive type. That signals a high risk of spreading—and that’s clearly what he has.”
Biden is also showing symptoms linked to urinary issues, suggesting the cancer may be progressing. In its early stages, prostate cancer often doesn’t show symptoms.
Siegel mentioned that the cancer was uncovered during a routine physical examination, citing surprise at how advanced it had become.
He also emphasized the importance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for men over 45, which serves to screen for prostate cancer by measuring PSA levels in the blood, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic.
While PSA testing isn’t foolproof, elevated levels typically lead to further testing via MRI, after which the need for a biopsy is assessed.
Interestingly, Siegel pointed out that over 80% of men past age 80 have prostate cancer cells. “In the medical realm, this is quite a common cancer for men. If there hasn’t been thorough screening, it’s surprising,” he added. “Besides age, which is significant as he’s 82, he doesn’t have many other risk factors.”
Regarding treatment, Siegel anticipates that Biden may undergo hormone therapy and possibly radiation or surgery to address the cancer’s progression.
“Sometimes, multiple therapies are the route they take,” he noted, indicating a combination of prostate removal along with radiation and hormone treatment isn’t unusual.
Two medications often prescribed for this advanced stage are lupron, which inhibits testosterone production, and casodex, which blocks its effects. Siegel cautioned about potential side effects such as fatigue and a general feeling of unwellness.
“Bone pain is another concern,” Siegel remarked. “Metastasis to the bone can be quite painful.”
If detected early while still contained within the prostate, Siegel asserted that the cancer is usually curable. “The aim is to catch it before it exits the prostate; treatment becomes significantly more challenging afterward.”
