Biden Begins Radiation Treatment for Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Joe Biden Undergoes Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Former President Joe Biden is currently receiving radiation therapy as part of his ongoing battle with prostate cancer. A representative for the former president confirmed the news to Emegypt, noting that Biden is also undergoing hormone treatment. Initial reports came from NBC News.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Plan and Diagnosis
Biden, who will turn 83 soon, received a diagnosis of an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones, earlier this year. His spokesperson has not provided a specific timeline for the treatments. Despite the severity, Biden told Emegypt in his first comments on the matter that he feels optimistic about the prognosis, stating, “The expectation is we’re going to be able to beat this.” He emphasized that the cancer has not penetrated any vital organs and expressed confidence in his ongoing pill regimen.
The Nature and Challenges of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a common condition affecting many men as they age. According to Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health, “Most men are likely to have small cancerous cells as they grow older.” Dr. Brahmbhatt was not involved in Biden’s care.
The aggressiveness of prostate cancer is often determined by the Gleason score, a grading system based on cell appearance under a microscope. Biden’s office announced a Gleason score of 9, the highest level of aggressiveness. Dr. Benjamin Davies, a professor of urologic oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, stated that while Biden’s cancer’s spread to the bones is serious and not curable, advances in hormonal and chemotherapy therapies offer promising results in prolonging patient lives.
Understanding Treatment Options and Prognosis
There are multiple treatment strategies for prostate cancer, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation, which are tailored to each patient’s specific diagnosis. Blood prostate-specific antigen levels, imaging tests, and biopsy findings are crucial considerations in determining the best course of treatment. According to experts, patients with high-risk prostate cancer can often maintain a good quality of life if the cancer is effectively managed.
Previous Health Concerns: From Skin Cancer to Prostate Cancer
In addition to his prostate cancer treatment, Biden recently underwent Mohs surgery, a procedure designed to remove skin cancer lesions. This surgery involves systematically removing and examining layers of skin until no cancerous cells are detected, and is typically used in cases where lesions return or appear in critical areas. In 2023, while serving as president, Biden had a lesion on his chest removed, which tested positive for basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. According to Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s former White House physician, “all cancerous tissue was successfully removed,” and Biden continues to receive regular dermatological check-ups.
Basal cell carcinoma is known for being slow-growing and usually curable, marking a small victory amidst Biden’s ongoing health challenges.
