Biden’s Cancer: Doctors on Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Medical experts analyze President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis, revealing critical insights into his condition and treatment options. Specifically, the article highlights that, while serious, his aggressive, metastatic cancer is not uncommon in men of his age. Explore the complexities of prostate cancer diagnosis, the role of screening, and why some medical professionals advocate against PSA tests for men over 70. Discover the effectiveness of treatment options like androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and the influence of advancements spurred by Biden’s “moonshot” initiative. News Directory 3 dives deep, providing clarity on a sensitive subject. Learn about the expected next steps in his care and what these mean for his prognosis. Discover what’s next …
Experts Analyze Biden’s Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
updated May 31, 2025
Former president Joe Biden’s recent proclamation of his prostate cancer diagnosis has sparked both concern and debate. The cancer,described as “aggressive” and having metastasized to the bone,has raised questions about his health and prior medical screenings.
The announcement also comes amid renewed scrutiny of biden’s mental acuity during his presidency.President Trump commented on the timing of the diagnosis, suggesting the public should investigate the matter further.
Though, medical experts interviewed by the *Los Angeles Times* suggest that many public assumptions about prostate cancer, screening, and treatment for men of Biden’s age (82) are inaccurate. They emphasize that while the diagnosis is serious, it’s not necessarily indicative of negligence or a cover-up.
Biden’s office stated that he was diagnosed after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, leading to the discovery of a prostate nodule. The cancer was characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.
Dr.Mark Litwin, chair of UCLA Urology, described this as a more advanced form of prostate cancer, but still a “very common scenario,” affecting about 10% of men diagnosed with the disease.
Dr. Howard Sandler, chair of the Department of Radiation oncology at Cedars-Sinai, concurred, stating, “It’s a little unusual for him to show up with prostate cancer that’s metastatic to bone at first diagnosis, but not extraordinary. It happens every day to elderly men.”
The prevalence of slow-growing prostate cancer in older men, combined with evolving screening guidelines, contributes to this reality.Many doctors recommend discontinuing PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing around age 70 or 75, as intervention can sometimes lead to worse outcomes than leaving the cancer untreated.
Dr. Sunil Patel, a urologic oncologist at Johns Hopkins, explained that the average life expectancy for an American man is under 85. Therefore, many men in their 70s may opt to forgo treatment if the cancer is unlikely to be life-threatening within a decade.
However,when aggressive prostate cancers are detected,treatment is necessary. “He is without a doubt going to need treatment,” Litwin said. “This is not the type that we can just observe over time like we often do.”
Regarding the timing of the diagnosis, experts emphasize that it’s within the standard of care for men over 80 to forgo PSA testing. Some aggressive cancers may not secrete antigens at levels detectable by PSA tests,or they can develop rapidly between screenings.
Dr. Alicia Morgans,associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School,added that even with diligent screening,some cancers can arise between tests. she also noted that PSA levels can fluctuate in older men,making interpretation more complex.
Biden’s office indicated that his cancer appears “to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.”
Experts are optimistic about Biden’s prognosis.”It’s not curable, but it’s highly treatable,” morgans said.
Litwin added, “Without meaning to sound glib, there’s never been a better time to have metastatic prostate cancer in the history of medicine,” citing advancements spurred by Biden’s own cancer “moonshot” initiative.
The standard treatment for biden will likely be androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which blocks testosterone production. This can effectively slow the cancer’s growth, though it’s not a permanent solution.
Dr. Geoffrey Sonn, urologic oncologist at Stanford Cancer Center, said ADT ”will make prostate cancer cells shrink down, stop growing, at least temporarily, in the vast majority of guys.”
Dr. Mihir Desai,a urologist with Keck Medicine of USC,highlighted that metastatic prostate cancer can often be managed for many years with good quality of life,unlike some other metastatic cancers.
Sandler noted that ADT can cause side effects like bone density loss, which can be mitigated with fitness and medication. Radiation therapy may also be used to target specific cancer sites.
What’s next
Biden is expected to begin treatment soon. his medical team will closely monitor his response to therapy and adjust the treatment plan as needed. The focus will be on managing the cancer,maintaining his quality of life,and mitigating potential side effects.