Joe Biden’s prostate cancer: What are the possible treatment options for the former US president?

Wishes poured in for a quick recovery after former United States President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer. His condition is characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with the cancer spreading to bones. 

 

According to experts, about 300,000 men in the US are diagnosed a year with prostate cancer. Though Biden's case is rare, doctors highlight that there are plenty of treatment options for prostate cancer. But the big question is at the age of 82, will Biden be able to explore these many treatment options?  

 

The age, and the existing comorbidities of the patient are the crucial factors to be considered before choosing a treatment.  

 

What is prostate cancer? 

 

Prostrate cancer is the cancerous cells that grow in the prostate gland, a small gland in the male reproductive system located below the bladder. Globally, it is the second most common cancer in men. 

 

Symptoms of prostate cancer include:

 

1. Frequent urination

2. Painful or weak stream while urinating

3. Blood in urine or semen

4. Back or pelvic pain

5. Weakness in the legs or feet

6. Sudden weight loss

7. Fatigue

 

What are the possible treatment options? 

 

1. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT): ADT, also known as androgen ablation therapy or androgen suppression therapy is a hormone therapy used to treat prostate cancer. It aims to reduce the levels of androgen produced by the testicles either through surgical or chemical castration. 

 

It works by reducing the levels of the male hormones in the body, which is crucial for the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. The hormone, testosterone is brought to a minimal number in this therapy.

 

2. Androgen-receptor blockers: These are drugs that are combined with ADT. The drugs work by either blocking the androgen receptors in cells or reducing the production of androgens. 

 

3. Chemotherapy: Other treatment options include chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments including surgery or radiation therapy.

 

New treatments including laser procedures, and CAR T therapy are also available.   

 

However, some of these treatments have their own side effects. The treatment option depends on how aggressive you want to treat the cancer depending on the patient's health. 

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