WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Joe Biden is receiving radiation and hormone therapy as part of a novel phase of treatment for the aggressive form of prostate cancer he was diagnosed with after leaving office, a spokesman said Saturday.
“As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” said Biden adviser Kelly Scully.
The 82-year-old Democrat left office in January after abandoning his re-election bid six months earlier following a disastrous debate against Republican Donald Trump over concerns about Biden’s age, health and mental fitness. Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris, who was Biden’s running mate.
In May, Biden’s post-presidency announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and that it had spread to his bones. The discovery came after he reported urinary symptoms.
Prostate cancer is classified according to its aggressiveness using the so-called Gleason score. The scores range from 6 to 10, with prostate cancer behaving more aggressively at 8, 9 and 10. Biden’s office said his level was 9, indicating his cancer is among the most aggressive.
Last month, Biden had surgery to remove skin cancer lesions on his forehead.
