Media: Joe Biden completes radiation therapy for aggressive cancer

Former US President Joe Biden has finished a course of radiation therapy to treat an aggressive form of prostate cancer, marking a positive step in his treatment, though it does not yet indicate its conclusion.

A spokesperson for Biden confirmed on October 20 that the 82-year-old, who will turn 83 next month, completed several weeks of radiation therapy at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia, Caliber.Az reports, citing CBS News.

His office had first revealed on October 11 that he had been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer for several weeks.

“He rang the bell today,” Biden spokeswoman Kelly Scully said.

Ashley Biden, the former president’s daughter, shared a brief video on Instagram showing him ringing the bell, writing: "Rung the bell! Thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at Penn Medicine. We are so grateful!"

Photos posted by Ashley also showed Biden with a medical professional, as well as with former First Lady Jill Biden and two of their grandchildren, with the caption: "Dad has been so damn brave throughout his treatment. Grateful."

At many cancer centres, patients ring a wall-mounted bell to mark the completion of their treatment, serving both as a personal milestone and a source of encouragement for others. It remains unclear whether Biden will require further treatment, as doctors typically evaluate a patient’s progress in the weeks following therapy.

Biden disclosed in May that he had advanced prostate cancer that had spread to his bones, raising public concern and prompting questions about his health during his presidency. At that time, his office said he had been diagnosed with "prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone" after a small nodule was discovered in his prostate.

The Gleason scoring system assesses how cancer cells resemble normal tissue, with a score of 9 placing Biden in the most aggressive risk category. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, with age being a key risk factor. Treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and hormone therapy.

In September 2025, Biden also underwent Mohs surgery for skin cancer, a procedure that removes thin layers of tissue until only healthy tissue remains.

Despite his health challenges, Biden continues to maintain a presence in Washington, where he keeps an office, and travels on Amtrak trains between Delaware and the capital. He has also resumed fundraising and is planning a presidential library and museum to document his time in the White House.

By Aghakazim Guliyev