Biden underging radiation therapy for 'aggressive' prostate cancer, says spokesperson

Former US President Joe Biden is undergoing radiation therapy as part of his treatment for prostate cancer, his spokesperson said.

“As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” the spokesperson told NBC News.

Biden, 82, has already been taking hormone medication in pill form. The radiation therapy is expected to last five weeks and marks a new stage in his care, according to the spokesperson.

Last month, Biden also had Mohs surgery for skin cancer, and a large bandage on his forehead was visible during public appearances afterward.

Biden was diagnosed in May with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. At the time, his office said: “He was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”

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A Gleason score of nine indicates “high-grade” cancer, meaning the cells could spread quickly, according to Cancer Research UK.

Biden left office in January as the oldest US president in history. Health concerns had followed him through his first term and contributed to his decision to end his re-election campaign. His former vice-president, Kamala Harris, ran as the Democratic nominee but lost to US President Donald Trump.