New Delhi : Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive type of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office said on Sunday. Biden, 82, was seen by doctors last week after experiencing urinary symptoms, and received the diagnosis on Friday.
According to Biden’s office, his cancer has a Gleason score of 9, one of the most aggressive scores out of 10. This indicates that the cancer is likely to grow and spread rapidly. Cancer spreading to the bones (metastasis) is a more serious condition.
However, Biden’s doctors have said his cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, meaning it can be effectively managed with hormone therapy. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his doctors.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. The Gleason score is a system used to assess the aggressiveness of cancer cells. Higher scores (8-10) indicate more aggressive cancers that can spread rapidly. When prostate cancer spreads to the bones, it is called metastatic or stage 4 prostate cancer. Cancer at this stage is difficult to treat, but treatments can help manage symptoms and increase life expectancy.
Hormone therapy is a common treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. It works by lowering levels of male hormones (such as testosterone), which can promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. Other treatment options may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and other targeted drugs.
Experts say that because it is hormone-sensitive, Biden’s cancer can be managed with medications and surgery or radiation therapy would not be recommended.
