Former US President Joe Biden has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has unfortunately spread to his bones. This significant health update came to light on Friday, following a doctor's visit last week where he sought evaluation for troubling urinary symptoms.
Prostate cancer primarily affects the tissues of the prostate gland, an essential part of the male reproductive system responsible for producing semen. The prostate is situated between the penis and the bladder, making it a vital component of urinary and reproductive health. According to the NHS, this type of cancer typically develops slowly, allowing it to remain undetected for years. Consequently, many individuals can live for decades without requiring treatment. However, this slow progression often means that symptoms do not manifest until the cancer is in an advanced stage.
In Biden's case, he experienced urinary symptoms—a common indication of prostate cancer. Such symptoms often arise when the prostate enlarges significantly, impacting the urethra, which connects the bladder to the penis. Common symptoms include an increased frequency of urination, as well as a slow or weak urinary stream. Regular screening for prostate cancer is typically part of routine health assessments for US presidents, as noted by Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, a former White House doctor under President Barack Obama.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American men, following lung cancer. Projections indicate that there will be more than 300,000 new cases diagnosed in the US this year. Alarmingly, approximately one in eight men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
While many men in their 80s are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the severity of Biden's condition is notably advanced. Dr. Ryan Cleary, a urologist at MedStar Health, stated that Biden's prostate cancer is characterized by a high Gleason score of 9. The Gleason score is a widely recognized method for grading the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, determining how likely the disease is to progress and spread, also referred to as metastatic cancer. The scale ranges from six to ten, with higher numbers indicating a more aggressive form of cancer.
A Gleason score of nine, as seen in Biden's case, signifies a high-grade cancer, where cancer cells appear very abnormal and are likely to proliferate quickly. The Gleason score is calculated by combining the two most predominant patterns of cancer cells observed in a biopsy sample. Notably, the lowest score assigned to cancerous cells is three, thus making six the minimum score for a cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Jamin Vinod Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Orlando Health Medical Group, explained that the advanced stage of Biden's prostate cancer, characterized by its aggressive nature and bone metastasis, significantly limits treatment options. Although there are medical treatments available, including chemotherapy, steroids, and hormone therapy, none of these are curative. Instead, they aim to stabilize the patient’s condition and manage the cancer effectively.
Biden's cancer is also classified as hormone-sensitive, meaning it utilizes hormones for growth and development. Treatments that block or reduce hormone levels in the body can be effective for managing this type of cancer. Dr. Brahmbhatt mentioned that this aspect broadens the range of treatment options available for Biden, but it may take weeks or even months to assess his response to these treatments.
Dr. Kuhlman also indicated that Biden could potentially qualify for clinical trials focused on advanced disease treatment, provided he meets the necessary inclusion criteria. As Biden and his family consider various treatment options, the next steps will be crucial in managing his health and addressing this challenging diagnosis.
