Joe Biden having radiation therapy and hormone treatment for his prostate cancer

Saturday, 11 October 2025 15:17

Former US president Joe Biden is undergoing a new phase of treatment after revealing in May he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

His spokesperson said he was now having radiation therapy and hormone treatment "as part of a treatment plan".

Mr Biden previously said the cancer had "a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone" (meaning it had spread from the prostate).

The radiation treatment is expected to last five weeks and marks a new stage in his care. He has already been taking a pill form of hormone medication.

Mr Biden, who turns 83 next month, is said to be "doing well", according to Sky's US partner, NBC News.

Last month, Mr Biden also had a skin cancer treatment known as Mohs surgery and wore a bandage on his forehead during public appearances.

Revealing his condition earlier this year, the ex-president said he was diagnosed after seeing a doctor about urinary symptoms.

A statement said he had a "more aggressive form of the disease" but that it appeared to be "hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management".

According to Cancer Research UK, a Gleason score of 9 means the cancerous cells "look very abnormal" and the disease is "likely to grow quickly".

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Prostate cancer is very common among men of Mr Biden's age but many have a low-risk form that only requires monitoring.

Mr Biden's four years in power ended in January when President Trump took over after defeating his would-be successor, Kamala Harris.

The final year of his presidency was beset by concerns over his physical health and mental acuity, culminating in a disastrous TV debate that saw him eventually step back as candidate.

Sky News