Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer with a five-year survival rate between 30% and 40%, according to Fox News medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel. The disease is characterized by a Gleason score of 9 and Grade Group 5 with bone metastasis, indicating it is “pretty far advanced.” Dr. Siegel emphasized that the cancer’s aggressive nature, combined with its spread to the bone, makes treatment challenging. While the PSA test is commonly used for early detection, Siegel noted that even with regular screening, the disease may still progress despite advanced care.
Dr. Siegel, a senior medical analyst at Fox News, explained that the aggressive nature of the cancer is indicated by a Gleason score of 9 and Grade Group 5, which are both markers of high-grade and advanced-stage prostate cancer. These factors suggest that the disease is not only difficult to manage but also carries a significantly increased risk of spreading to other parts of the body. The presence of bone metastasis, where cancer cells have spread to bones, further complicates the condition, as it indicates the cancer has already progressed to a more advanced stage.
Prostate cancer often presents no symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screenings like the PSA test are critical for early detection. However, despite regular checkups, Siegel stated that the disease was found to be at an advanced stage, prompting the need for immediate and aggressive treatment. He noted that the use of the PSA test, while not always foolproof, plays a vital role in identifying potential issues. When PSA levels rise, the next step typically involves an MRI to determine the extent of the cancer.
The potential treatments for Biden’s condition include hormone therapy, radiation of the affected bone lesion, and possibly the removal of the prostate. Siegel mentioned that a multi-therapy approach is not uncommon in such cases, as it can help manage the disease more effectively. However, these treatments come with significant side effects, including fatigue, listlessness, and severe bone pain associated with metastasis. Siegel warned that these side effects can be debilitating for patients and require careful management as part of the treatment plan.
When the cancer is caught in its early stage—localized to the prostate gland—it is often curable with appropriate treatment. Siegel emphasized that the goal is to detect the disease before it spreads. Once the cancer has left the prostate, it becomes much more difficult to cure, which underscores the importance of early detection and regular screenings. Biden’s diagnosis highlights the challenges of managing advanced-stage prostate cancer, especially in older patients, and the critical role of medical intervention in improving outcomes.