Former US President Joe Biden has started radiation therapy as part of his prostate cancer treatment, his spokesperson confirmed. “As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” the spokesperson told NBC News.

Biden, 82, has already been taking hormone medication in pill form. The radiation therapy will last five weeks and marks a new phase in his treatment.

Recent medical procedures

Last month, Biden had Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer. A large bandage was visible on his forehead during public appearances after the procedure.

Doctors diagnosed Biden in May with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. His office said, “He was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”

According to Cancer Research UK, a Gleason score of nine means “high-grade” cancer that can spread quickly.

Health concerns and political impact

Biden left office in January as the oldest president in US history. Health concerns followed him throughout his term and influenced his decision to end his re-election bid.

His former vice president, Kamala Harris, ran as the Democratic nominee but lost to President Donald Trump.