Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Oct 12: Former US President Joe Biden has begun radiation therapy as part of his treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer diagnosed in May, his spokesperson confirmed. The therapy is expected to continue for five weeks, alongside hormone treatment.

Earlier in September, Biden underwent Mohs surgery to remove cancerous cells from his skin, according to the spokesperson. When his prostate cancer was first announced in May, it was reported to have metastasized to the bones and was hormone-sensitive, meaning it could respond to hormone therapy that blocks testosterone from reaching cancer cells.

Radiation therapy in advanced prostate cancer cases can help control the disease and alleviate symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society. Prostate issues, including cancer, are common in older men. Biden, who turns 83 next month, holds the record as the oldest serving US president in history.