What does Joe Biden’s Gleason score of 9 mean for his cancer treatment? Details explored

Joe Biden, the former US President, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office said on Sunday, May 18, 2025, as per AP News. The diagnosis came on Friday after he had been evaluated for urinary symptoms, after which the doctors discovered a nodule on his prostate. It was also revealed that the cancer cells have reached the bone.

Prostate cancer is graded for its aggressiveness using a score called the Gleason score. It ranges from 6 to 10, with scores of 8, 9, and 10 being the most aggressive ones, as per the BBC.

Biden's Gleason score of 9 means the cancer is aggressive.

Joe Biden's Gleason score of 9, details explored

On Sunday, Joe Biden's office announced that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and his Gleason score is 9. They also said that his diagnosis included metastasis to the bone.

The office also said:

''While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.''

The diagnosis came after a nodule was found on his prostate, which then required further examination. Biden's prostate cancer has been graded with a Gleason score of 9. The score of 9 indicates that the cancer cells are different from the normal cells and are likely to grow and spread fast. This puts the cancer in the high-risk category. However, since his cancer is hormone-sensitive, it offers a feasible care plan.

Joe Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest, back in 2023. It was a basal cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer, and in 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon. In 2022, Biden started an initiative called the Cancer Moonshot, the goal of which was to cut cancer deaths by half in the next 25 years. He started this project after his son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015.

As the news of Biden's cancer diagnosis made it to social media, many political leaders sent their wishes to him. The US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social:

''Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.''

Biden's vice president, Kamala Harris, wrote on X:

''Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.''

She continued:

''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. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.''

Biden's office has not given any information regarding the treatment he will be receiving; they have, however, said that they will provide updates as the treatment plans are finalized.

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