Former President Biden Undergoes Intensive Treatment for Aggressive Prostate Cancer with Bone Metastasis
Former President Joe Biden undergoes radiation and hormone therapy for aggressive prostate cancer, diagnosed in May with Gleason 9 and bone metastasis.
Overview
- Former President Joe Biden, 83, is currently undergoing a five-week regimen of radiation and hormone therapy for aggressive prostate cancer, diagnosed in May.
- The prostate cancer was identified with a high Gleason score of 9, indicating its advanced and aggressive nature, and has unfortunately metastasized to his bones.
- Oncologists suggest the cancer may have gone undiagnosed for years due to its bone metastasis, but its hormone-sensitive nature allows for effective management with current treatments.
- This intensive prostate cancer treatment follows Mohs surgery in September 2023 to remove cancerous skin lesions from his forehead, addressing multiple health concerns.
- Despite the aggressive diagnosis and ongoing therapies, the former President is reportedly "doing well" during his treatment, with prostate cancer having a high survival rate.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources appear neutral in their coverage of former President Biden's cancer treatment. They focus on factual reporting of his medical condition, diagnosis details, and ongoing therapy, relying heavily on official spokespersons and medical context. The reporting avoids loaded language or overt editorializing, presenting information clinically and objectively.
"Despite the cancer's aggressiveness, its hormone-sensitive nature offers a viable treatment pathway, according to the National Cancer Institute."
ABC News"Former President Joe Biden is receiving radiation and hormone therapy as part of a new phase of treating the aggressive form of prostate cancer he was diagnosed with after leaving office, a spokesperson said Saturday."
Chicago Tribune"While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management."
BBC News"Biden is undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment as part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer."
CBS News"Former President Joe Biden is receiving radiation and hormone therapy as part of a new phase of treating the aggressive form of prostate cancer he was diagnosed with after leaving office, a spokesperson said Saturday."
Associated Press"Biden's illness is said to be hormone-sensitive, which means it is susceptible to treatment."
USA TODAY"The former president, who turns 83 next month, is said to be "doing well.""
NBC NewsArticles (19)
Center (7)
FAQ
A Gleason score of 9 indicates a high-grade, aggressive form of prostate cancer with a significant risk of progression and spread, signaling a poorer prognosis compared to lower Gleason scores[4].
When prostate cancer has spread to distant parts of the body (such as the bones), the five-year relative survival rate drops to about 34–37%, compared to near 100% for cancer localized to the prostate.
Standard treatments for metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer include androgen deprivation therapy (hormone therapy) and radiation, often in combination, to manage disease progression and symptoms[7].
While high Gleason scores and metastasis generally mean the cancer is not curable, current treatments can effectively manage the disease, prolong survival, and maintain quality of life for many years in some patients.
Bone metastasis significantly worsens the prognosis, as it indicates advanced disease that has spread beyond the prostate, reducing survival rates compared to localized or even regional (lymph node) spread.
History
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