Geoffrey Sonn, MD, Weighs in on President Biden’s Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in National Media

As news of President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis captured national attention, media outlets turned to Stanford Urology’s own Geoffrey Sonn, MD, for expert insight into the disease, its treatment, and its long-term management. Sonn shared his perspective in The San Francisco Chronicle, Politico, The Los Angeles Times, and The Hill, helping the public better understand the implications of the diagnosis and available treatment options.

Sonn, who specializes in treating prostate and kidney cancers, was clear in stating that while metastatic prostate cancer is not curable, it is highly treatable. “People can live for years on these hormonal therapy medicines,” he told Politico, noting a wave of newly approved drugs in the last decade that have extended survival. “This is very different than metastatic pancreatic cancer, where most patients are expected to survive only a few months. Prostate cancer can be managed for years.”

In The San Francisco Chronicle, Dr. Sonn explained that President Biden will likely undergo hormone therapy to lower testosterone levels and shrink cancer cells. “Some people may live for a decade or longer with metastatic prostate cancer,” he said, adding that patients’ responses to treatment vary widely.

Dr. Sonn emphasized the evolving treatment landscape in The Los Angeles Times, pointing to recent evidence that augmenting standard hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), with additional medications can significantly improve outcomes. “That can extend life to four, five, seven, even 10 years or more,” he said.

In The Hill, he reflected on the timing of the diagnosis. While President Biden’s reported tests did not include a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, Dr. Sonn explained that this aligns with current guidelines. “There’s not many people out there that will advocate for continuing aggressive PSA screening for men in their 80s,” he said.

Although Dr. Sonn is not involved in the president’s care, his voice across multiple outlets has helped clarify a complex condition at a critical moment. His contributions exemplify the vital role Stanford Urology plays in shaping national conversations on men’s health.

Stanford Urology is proud to see its faculty at the forefront of such high-profile discussions. With a strong commitment to research, patient care, and training, the department continues to lead in addressing pressing urologic health issues through innovation, collaboration, and public engagement.