Biden’s ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer could be responsive to hormone therapy

Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis of “aggressive” prostate cancer has raised concerns about the advancement of the disease. In a recent statement, it was revealed that the former president’s prostate cancer has been characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (grade group 5) with “metastasis to the bone.” A Gleason score of 9 indicates “high-grade” prostate cancer with very abnormal cells that are likely to grow rapidly, according to experts.

While the diagnosis is concerning, the statement also mentioned that the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. The designation of “hormone-sensitive” means that the cancer could be more responsive to hormone therapies, making it more treatable in the long run. Hormone-sensitive prostate cancer relies on androgens (male hormones) to grow, and reducing or blocking these hormones can stop the cancer from progressing.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, noted that the hormone-sensitive designation does not necessarily mean that Biden has already been undergoing hormone therapies. However, it does indicate that hormone therapy could be effective in managing the cancer.

Prostate cancer is known to feed on testosterone, and hormone therapy aims to decrease the body’s level of testosterone to slow down the cancer’s growth. The backbone of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer is androgen deprivation therapy, which can involve medications or injections to reduce testosterone levels in the body.

Monitoring disease progression in prostate cancer involves a combination of PSA blood tests and imaging studies. Eventually, metastatic prostate cancer may become hormone-resistant, meaning it no longer responds to hormone therapy. This progression typically takes a couple of years, and signs of worsening disease may include rising PSA levels, new pain or symptoms, or new tumors showing up on scans.

Treatment options for prostate cancer include hormone therapy, robotic prostate surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. It is essential for men to discuss the potential benefits and harms of screening and treatment options with their healthcare providers. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men aged 55 to 69 years should have the option to undergo periodic PSA-based screening for prostate cancer.

Overall, Joe Biden’s diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer has prompted discussions about the disease’s prognosis and treatment options. With advancements in hormone therapy and other treatments, there is hope for effective management of the disease.