Former President Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Metastatic Prostate Cancer

cnn.com/2025/05/18/politics/joe-biden-prostate-cancer

Revised Article

Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement from his personal office. The cancer is characterized by a Gleason score of 9, the most aggressive form, with metastasis to bone tissue. However, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management options.

Biden was evaluated last week for a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, leading to Friday's diagnosis. He and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians. In a social media post, Biden wrote that 'cancer touches us all' and thanked supporters for their 'love and support,' adding that he and wife Jill Biden 'have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.'

Medical experts note that while metastatic prostate cancer with bone involvement is very serious and not curable, significant advances in treatment have emerged in recent years. Hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer typically responds well to initial treatments like androgen deprivation therapy, often providing years of disease control. Modern therapies include newer hormonal agents, chemotherapy, and innovative treatments that have substantially improved patient outcomes, with median survival typically ranging from 2-5 years, though individual responses vary greatly.

The diagnosis carries particular personal significance for Biden, whose son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46. As vice president, Biden led the White House Cancer Task Force in 2016, and as president, he reestablished the 'Cancer Moonshot' initiative in 2022, committing to reduce cancer death rates by 50% over 25 years. The program has allocated over $2.8 billion in funding and supported hundreds of research projects since 2016.

Political figures from both parties expressed support for Biden's recovery. Former President Trump, despite their political differences, posted well-wishes on Truth Social, while former Vice President Kamala Harris called Biden 'a fighter' who would face this challenge 'with strength, resilience, and optimism.' Former President Obama highlighted Biden's extensive work in cancer research, expressing confidence in his 'trademark resolve and grace.'

Missing Context & Misinformation 4

  • Prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 and bone metastasis typically has a median survival of 2-5 years with current treatments, though individual outcomes vary significantly based on response to therapy and overall health status.
  • Hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer, which Biden's appears to be, generally responds well to initial treatment with androgen deprivation therapy, often providing years of disease control before becoming hormone-resistant.
  • Modern treatments for metastatic prostate cancer include newer hormonal agents like abiraterone and enzalutamide, chemotherapy with docetaxel, and newer therapies like PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy, which have significantly improved outcomes compared to treatments available even a decade ago.
  • The Cancer Moonshot initiative Biden led has allocated over $2.8 billion in funding since 2016 and has supported hundreds of research projects, though critics note that cancer death rates were already declining before the program began.

Disinformation & Lies 1

No disinformation or lies detected in this article.

Bias 3

The article contains some useful bias that serves readers well. The emotional framing around Biden's cancer diagnosis and his family's strength ('we are strongest in the broken places') provides valuable human context that helps readers understand the personal impact. The emphasis on Biden's Cancer Moonshot work creates meaningful connection between his personal struggle and public service. The inclusion of Trump's respectful response, despite their political differences, adds important perspective. However, some elements show mild unfair bias: the detailed focus on Biden's cognitive decline allegations and debate performance seems disproportionate in a health story, and the framing occasionally veers toward sympathetic rather than purely informational. Overall, the bias is mostly warranted and helpful for reader understanding.