Former U.S. President Joe Biden has begun radiation therapy as part of his ongoing treatment for prostate cancer, following a diagnosis earlier this year that revealed the disease had spread to his bones.
In May, doctors confirmed that the 82-year-old had an aggressive form of prostate cancer, described as “high-grade” with a Gleason score of 9 — one of the most serious levels on the scale used to assess how fast the cancer may grow.
According to a statement from his office, the former president is now undergoing a five-week course of radiation therapy, supported by hormone medication that he began taking several months ago.
His doctors say the cancer is “hormone-sensitive”, meaning it can respond to treatments that reduce or block male hormones, slowing its spread. “We’re optimistic about the outcome,” one member of his medical team said, adding that Biden is tolerating treatment “with remarkable resilience.”
Despite the spread of the cancer to his bones, his doctors maintain that there are “many effective therapies available.” They emphasised that the goal is to manage the disease actively and preserve his quality of life.
Biden, who turns 83 next month, also recently underwent Mohs surgery to remove cancerous skin cells from his forehead — a common procedure for skin cancer.
Those close to him say he remains in good spirits and continues to follow his medical plan closely. “He’s focused, strong, and taking it one day at a time,” a family spokesperson told reporters.
While the news has sparked concern, medical experts note that prostate cancer — even when advanced — can often be controlled for years with the right combination of treatments.
For now, Biden’s team says he’s concentrating on his recovery, away from public life, surrounded by family and his longtime doctors in Delaware.
About the Author
