Joe Biden Starts New Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Former President Joe Biden has started a new phase of treatment for prostate cancer. 

“As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” a spokesperson said.  

Biden’s office revealed he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease that had spread to his bones in May.  

Last month, Biden also underwent surgery to remove skin cancer from his forehead.  

What Types of Radiation Therapy Are Used for Prostate Cancer? 

Radiation therapy for prostate cancer can be delivered externally using a machine or internally using a radioactive implant placed inside the body.  

Common methods include: 

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy is the most common type of external beam radiation therapy and involves the use of a computer-controlled linear accelerator to deliver precise radiation doses to a tumor. It is typically administered over several weeks, with daily treatment sessions lasting only a few minutes each.  

High dose-rate brachytherapy involves the temporary surgical placement of a radioactive source in the prostate gland. A computer-controlled dose of radiation is delivered through a catheter directly to the tumor. This therapy can be effective in treating localized prostate cancer with reduced side effects and a shorter treatment time.  

Image-guided radiation therapy is an advanced technique that uses a linear accelerator with built-in technology to enhance the precision and accuracy of the radiation delivery. Before each treatment session, images such as CT scans, MRIs and X-rays are used to visualize the prostate and surrounding tissues.  

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy uses computer-guided techniques to target the tumor with high-dose radiation in fewer treatment sessions. The precision is achieved with careful planning and the use of immobilization devices to keep the patient still during treatment.  

What is Hormone Therapy? 

Androgens are hormones required for normal function of the prostate. They promote growth of both normal and cancerous prostate cells by binding to and activating a protein called the androgen receptor. Early in their development, prostate cancers need relatively high levels of androgens to grow.  

Androgen deprivation therapy, or ADT, is a form of hormone therapy that reduces androgen production. It can include: 

• Orchiectomy, a surgical procedure to remove both testicles 

• Drugs that cause the pituitary gland to stop producing luteinizing hormone, and as a result the testicles are not stimulated to produce androgens 

• Drugs that prevent the production of androgens by the adrenal glands and prostate cells and block testosterone production 

Hormone therapy can be used to treat patients with early stage, recurrent or metastatic prostate cancer. It can have a wide range of side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, loss of bone density and loss of muscle mass, so it is important to talk with your doctor to determine if it is the right treatment for you.