Former President Joe Biden Completes Radiation Therapy for Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Former President Joe Biden has successfully completed a course of radiation therapy for an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The treatment concluded on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia. This marks a significant milestone in his ongoing battle with the disease.

cbsnews.com reported, A spokesperson for the former president, Kelly Scully, confirmed the completion of the therapy. Biden participated in the traditional "bell-ringing" ceremony, a symbolic act in cancer facilities to celebrate the end of a treatment phase. His daughter, Ashley Biden, shared this moment on social media.

Biden's office first announced his diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer in May 2025. The cancer was described as high-risk, with a Gleason score of 9, and had metastasized to his bones. He began radiation therapy several weeks prior to its completion.

washingtonpost.com noted, The 82-year-old former leader has been undergoing comprehensive treatment, which also includes hormone therapy, to manage the advanced stage of his prostate cancer. Medical experts have noted that age is a primary risk factor for this common form of cancer.

This recent treatment follows another cancer-related procedure in September 2025, when Biden underwent Mohs surgery. This specialized surgery was performed to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead, according to his spokesperson.

theguardian.com reported, The former president's health has been under close public scrutiny since his prostate cancer diagnosis. Despite the challenges, his medical team has expressed optimism regarding the management of his condition through various treatment modalities.

• Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Aggressiveness: Former President Biden's prostate cancer was diagnosed in May 2025 and characterized as aggressive, with a Gleason score of 9. This indicates highly malignant tumor cells. The cancer had already progressed to Stage IV, having metastasized to his bones, posing a serious health challenge for the 82-year-old.

• cbsnews.com noted, Radiation Therapy Location and Significance: Biden received his radiation therapy at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia. The completion of this course of treatment, marked by the traditional "bell-ringing" ceremony, signifies a crucial step in his cancer journey. Such ceremonies are common in cancer care to celebrate milestones.

• Concurrent Skin Cancer Treatment: In addition to prostate cancer, Biden also underwent Mohs surgery in September 2025 to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead. This procedure, confirmed by spokesperson Kelly Scully, is a precise technique for removing basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.

• washingtonpost.com reported, Previous Cancer History: This is not Biden's first encounter with skin cancer. In 2023, a basal cell carcinoma lesion was removed from his chest during a physical exam. His physician, Dr. Kevin C. O'Connor, confirmed at the time that all cancerous tissue was successfully removed.

• Treatment Modalities and Future Outlook: Biden's comprehensive treatment plan for prostate cancer includes hormone therapy, which aims to slow the growth of cancer cells. While the radiation therapy course is complete, his spokesperson did not comment on any plans for future treatments, suggesting ongoing medical management.

• theguardian.com noted, Family History and Public Awareness: The Biden family has a history with cancer; his son Beau died of a brain tumor, and his wife Jill also had basal cell carcinomas removed. This personal experience has made the former president a vocal advocate for cancer awareness, often emphasizing the impact of the disease on families.

• Medical Context of Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, with age being the most significant risk factor. The aggressive nature and spread to bones in Biden's case highlight the severity, though advancements in treatments like radiation and hormone therapy offer significant management options.