Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. The diagnosis, confirmed by his personal office on May 18, 2025, revealed a Gleason score of 9, placing it in Grade Group 5, the most severe classification for prostate cancer.
This revelation marks a significant turn from Biden’s last medical evaluation in February 2024, which showed no new health concerns. According to reports, the diagnosis came after Biden experienced increasing urinary symptoms. Following an assessment, a prostate nodule was identified, leading to further testing and the subsequent diagnosis.
Grade Group 5 prostate cancer, identified by a Gleason score of 9 or 10, indicates the most aggressive form of the disease. In Biden’s case, the cancer has not only advanced within the prostate but has also metastasized to his bones. This development significantly complicates treatment and management options.
However, despite the gravity of the diagnosis, there is a hopeful aspect. Biden’s cancer is hormone-sensitive, which means it may respond well to hormone therapy. This treatment approach can help slow the growth of cancer cells by targeting hormones that fuel the tumor’s progression.
According to medical experts, the primary treatment options for hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer may include:
- Hormone Therapy: Reduces the levels of male hormones (androgens) that prostate cancer cells need to grow.
- Radiation Therapy: Targets and destroys cancer cells, potentially shrinking tumors and easing symptoms.
- Chemotherapy: Often used if hormone therapy alone is insufficient.
- Surgery (Prostatectomy): Considered less likely due to the metastasis, but may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Biden and his family are reportedly working closely with his medical team to explore the most effective and least invasive treatment options.
News of Biden’s diagnosis has sparked an outpouring of support from political leaders, celebrities, and the general public. Former President Donald Trump, often seen as Biden’s political rival, posted a statement on Truth Social expressing his sympathy and wishing Biden a full recovery.
“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis,” Trump wrote on Sunday afternoon. “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also posted on X on Sunday, saying she and her husband are keeping President Joe Biden and his family in their prayers. “Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” she wrote.
Also sharing her regards was former State Secretary Hillary Clinton, who posted, “I’m thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from. Wishing you a speedy, full recovery.”
“President Biden has served our nation with distinction,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote on X. “During this difficult time, Bill and I are praying for his health and a speedy recovery.”
During his presidency, Biden championed the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative to reduce cancer deaths by 50% over the next 25 years. His commitment to this cause has earned him widespread admiration, and now, he finds himself relying on the medical advancements his efforts helped fund.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Risk factors include age, family history, and genetics, making regular screenings crucial, especially for men over 50.
