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Early Start with Rahel Solomon

Biden Diagnosed With "Aggressive Form" Of Prostate Cancer; Trump's Agenda Advances After Republican Negotiations; Scottie Scheffler Wins First PGA Championship And Third Major. Aired 5:30-6a ET

Aired May 19, 2025 - 05:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

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[05:33:20]

RAHEL SOLOMON, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back.

And returning to our top story this hour former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with what his office calls an aggressive form of prostate cancer. While a serious concern this type of cancer can be treated and managed and the Bidens are currently reviewing those options.

Now, a doctor who is not involved with Biden's case tells CNN that while there is no cure, new therapies can extend the lives of patients.

And cancer has long been a personal issue for Biden. His son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015. President Obama tapped Biden in 2019 to lead a task force aimed at curing cancer, something that he later reestablished during his own presidency.

In 2019, Biden spoke about his belief that a cure was within reach.

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JOE BIDEN, (D) FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The fight against cancer -- the fight to eliminate racial disparities in cancer and outcomes is a fight we have to be unwilling to postpone. I am convinced as we make significant progress in cancer the only truly nonpartisan issue facing this country that the rest of the nation is going to say dammit, we can do anything. This is the United States of America. This is fully, thoroughly, totally, completely within our wheelhouse.

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SOLOMON: All right, let's welcome in Dr. Curtiland Deville, a radiation oncologist and medical director of the Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Center, and a professor of radiology -- radiation oncology, excuse, me, at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He joins us this morning from Washington. Doctor, great to have you this morning. [05:35:05]

So just based off this statement what we know is the cancer is aggressive but appears to be hormone sensitive, which allows for effective management.

What does that mean to you? What does management or treatment options look like here?

DR. CURTILAND DEVILLE, RADIATION ONCOLOGIST, MEDICAL DIRECTOR, JOHNS HOPKINS PROTON THERAPY CENTER, PROFESSOR OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE: Yes, so thanks for having me.

And he does have very good treatment options. When prostate cancer is first diagnosed generally it's hormone sensitive, meaning it responds to hormone manipulation and essentially treatments that remove testosterone from the body, and prostate cancer generally is feeding and fueling off of testosterone. And so those would be early effective treatments for men with very advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. And they immediately act to slow down -- delay the progression and the spread of the cancer.

SOLOMON: And a lot of people have to wonder -- I mean, you know, this is a former president and longtime politician. He has to have access to the best doctors in the world. Why wasn't this caught sooner?

DEVILLE: Yeah, I think those are questions that we all have. When we see patients, we're wondering could we have caught this sooner? We don't want patients to progress to the metastatic state because they won't be curable. Again, certainly treatable but not curable. And so our best outcomes are when this is caught at an early stage.

There are scenarios where patients can be followed. Well, I should say two things.

First off, our national screening guidelines talk about stopping screening actually when a man reaches age 70 if they have normal risk and don't have particular risk factors of prostate cancer or haven't had an elevated PSA. So stopping at age 70 or when there's a life expectancy of less than 10 years. So it's quite possible that men at his age are often not -- are not longer being screened for prostate cancer.

Someone like the president you would presume was still having their PSA blood test and the digital rectal exam on an annual basis for screening potentially.

There are scenarios. The PSA blood test may remain low and not reach the threshold of pursuing for the workup and a biopsy until it was much further along -- the cancer was much further along in its state. So that is possible to occur.

SOLOMON: And not curable at this stage, so what's the survival rate?

DEVILLE: So, a five-year survival for men who are diagnosed -- you know, are metastatic at the time of diagnoses. Only about 30 to 40 percent -- about a third of men will be alive in five years. And so there are treatments. Our goal at this time always is to maximum that survival rate and hopefully be on the further end of it.

And really, I say allow men to live their normal lifespan but under treatments, generally hormone-based, that are trying to prolong and delay the spread and maximum their survival with a good functional state as well. These are treatments that are generally well tolerate and not as toxic as other things like chemotherapy or surgery.

SOLOMON: Yeah. And Dr. Deville, you and I have spoken in the past on previous programs just about the importance of screenings, especially for prostate cancer. I'm curious what you hope viewers can take away from this conversation or even this development with the former president.

DEVILLE: Yeah. Our national guidelines talk about screening for men should entail a conversation and the risks and benefits of pursuing a PSA blood test and with or without that digital rectal exam.

I think the important piece there is the conversation of what we call shared decision making -- a shared decision making approach between the physician and the patient, and their family members to really arrive at do we want to check or screen for prostate cancer. That's particularly relevant for men increasing with age. If there are other health risks and other health factors, they may not want to pursue screening, but they should be cognizant and have an understanding of whether or not the PSA -- the blood test is being checked and are we checking for prostate cancer.

And so those -- it's always a reminder to us that our outcomes are always best when the cancer is caught very early and we can still cure it -- and that's why screening is so important.

SOLOMON: And then just to be clear, I mean, as we talked about after the age of 70 the guidelines are that perhaps maybe you're not being tested as often. The national guidelines when it comes to these type of screenings -- and I'm thinking not just about prostate cancer but obviously the other forms as well -- I mean, how do you view those? Are those more so suggestions or recommendations but obviously it's up to you to decide how often, how much -- I mean, how do you see that?

DEVILLE: Well, there are a few -- you know, national societies, accreditation bodies. There's the what's known as the U.S. -- United States Preventive Service Task Force. They come up with evidence-based guidelines for reviewing all of the evidence and try to provide guidance to patients, the public around what is the appropriate amount of testing and screening and what -- on what timeline this should occur for a variety of cancers.

[05:40:05]

Our most common cancer is prostate cancer being the most common cancer in men. Breast cancer in women. Colorectal cancer. Obviously, we hear about the increasing rates and younger ages of detection.

And so there is some variation amongst guidelines. So for prostate cancer, for example, in terms of how in-depth or how early one should potentially start.

SOLOMON: Um-hum.

DEVILLE: But they are fairly consistent for prostate cancer. For example, it would be something starting by the age of 50 or 55 just taking an annual PSA blood test -- again with or without that digital rectal exam -- and then deciding when to stop. Many for prostate cancer do say age 70 or life expectancy less than 10 years, but if someone has an elevation in the PSA, that can certainly continue to be monitored if they have any symptoms related to the prostate that could be monitored. If they have a family history.

So there are many reasons one might continue that screening. It's important to have the conversation with the physician to again, be clear on whether or not it's being checked for.

SOLOMON: Yeah, for sure.

Dr. Curtiland Deville, appreciate you being here this morning. Thank you.

DEVILLE: Thanks for having me.

SOLOMON: All right.

All right. And still ahead for us on EARLY START, Republican lawmaker make headway on a bill causing disagreements within their own party. We'll tell you about the changes that hardliners are demanding.

We'll be right back.

Also, the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs set to resume this Monday. What to expect as singer Dawn Richard returns to the stand.

We'll be right back.

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[05:46:00]

SOLOMON: Welcome back. I'm Rahel Solomon, and here are some of the stories we are watching for you this morning at 5:45.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. That news coming in a statement from his personal office, which says that the cancer has spread to his bone. Mr. Biden, who is now 82, is reviewing treatment options.

U.S. President Donald Trump will speak with Russia's President Vladimir Putin by phone today. This comes after Russia launched its largest ever drone attack on Ukraine in the war.

A deal has been reached to end a three-day transit strike in New Jersey. Trains are expected to be back on a normal schedule as soon as Tuesday. Governor Phil Murphy praising the agreement and said that he is confident it will be ratified by the union members. In a rare late-night vote a key House committee advanced the U.S. president's so-called "big, beautiful bill." It's an important step to passing Donald Trump's agenda. And it comes after a group of Republican hardliners blocked it from advancing on Friday. The bill now moves to the House Rules Committee. Some lawmakers say there is still a lot of work to be done.

CNN's Julia has more details.

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JULIA BENBROOK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: House Speaker Mike Johnson and members of his leadership team spent the weekend trying to convince the handful of GOP hardliners who opposed advancing President Donald Trump's big agenda bill on Friday to turn around and support it during a rare Sunday night vote.

Among the demands the hardliners were making, deeper cuts to a clean energy tax program as well as stricter overhauls on Medicaid, specifically looking at work requirements being enacted sooner instead of waiting until 2029.

Now, in an interview that aired on Fox News prior to that late-weekend vote, Johnson said that he thought weekend negotiations were "going well." He indicated that there could be a compromise on the work requirement timeline but added that he has concerns about making sure that the states have enough time to implement any changes.

REP. MIKE JOHNSON (R-LA), SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: The concern is we're trying to work with is the ability of states to retool their systems and ensure the verification process is to make sure that all the new laws and all the new safeguards that we're placing can actually be enforced. And so we're working through all those details, and we'll get it done.

BENBROOK: Johnson has set a lofty goal of getting this to the floor for a full House vote before Memorial Day. Now, even of that does end up happening it could still face a lot of challenges in the Senate where several Republican lawmakers have already voiced concerns.

Trump's message in all of this has remained consistent. He is calling on his party to unite around it, even writing on social media, "We don't need grandstanders in the Republican Party. Stop talking and get it done."

Reporting in Washington, Julia Benbrook, CNN.

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SOLOMON: From big tech to Trump crypto, a busy week ahead in the world of business, and Anna Stewart has a preview in the Business Minute.

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ANNA STEWART, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Rahel, it's going to be another busy week in the business world. Today is a crucial day for the U.K. to reset its relationship with the EU after Brexit. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting EU leaders here in London for a special summit.

Trade talks are also in focus tomorrow as G7 finance ministers meet in Canada until Thursday. The Japanese finance minister has said he plans to discuss currency prices with U.S. Secretary Scott Bessent. President Trump has long been critical of the weak yen and that's been a sticking point during trade negotiations with Japan.

And it is a big week for big tech. Later today Microsoft kicks off its developer conference. We'll likely get some updates on AI innovations. And that's followed by Google's developer conference tomorrow. And the Amazon's annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday. Amazon will be looking to reassure shareholders on plans to deal with tariffs.

[05:50:00]

And on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump will host a dinner with the top buyers of his crypto coin. That will be at the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. And, of course, it comes at a time when the president is already under a fair amount of scrutiny for conflicts of interest.

Back to you, Rahel.

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SOLOMON: Our thanks to Anna Stewart there.

Let's take a look at where U.S. futures stand ahead of the opening bell on Wall Street. Just before 6:00 a.m. here and futures are all solidly lower between eight-tenths of a percent to about 1.6 percent for the Nasdaq. The Dow off, let's say, at least right now about 350 points. And again, the Nasdaq the worst among them at 1.6 in early premarket trading. We'll see how the day shakes out.

In the coming hours the jury is set to return in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. And Singer Dawn Richard will resume giving testimony. Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges that include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

On Friday, Richard, a former member of the pop group Danity Kane that was formed by Combs, testified that she saw him physically abuse his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2009. Richard sued Combs last year, accusing him of sexual battery and sexual harassment among other things.

The National Transportation Safety Board is set to hold a new conference in New York later today. There, they have assembled a team of expert investigators to determine what caused a Mexican Navy training ship to strike the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday. Now, early evidence suggests that there was a mechanical issue with the ship's rudder.

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ZACH ISCOL, COMMISSIONER, NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Something happened during that period of time where the ship reportedly lost power and possibly lost steerage, and that's when it ended up going in the wrong direction towards the bridge. But that's very preliminary at this point and there still needs to be an investigation that will take place.

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SOLOMON: And Mexican officials have now identified the two people who were killed during the strike after they fell off of one of the ship's masts. The first victim a cadet, America Yamilet Sanchez; and the second, a sailor, Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos.

All right. Still ahead for us, two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler now has his third Major title. Coming up, CNN speaks with the world number one following his win at the PGA Championship.

We'll be right back.

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[05:56:50]

SOLOMON: All right, the NBA's final four is set. The Oklahoma City Thunder cruising into the Western Conference Finals on Sunday crushing the Denver Nuggets by 32 points in game seven of a closely fought playoff series.

The Thunder will play the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. The winner will go on to face either the New York Knicks or Indiana Pacers for the NBA title.

The world's number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler has won his first PGA championship. He finished the tournament at 11 under par Sunday securing his third career major title.

CNN's Patrick Snell was in Charlotte, North Carolina for Sunday's final round and caught up with Scheffler.

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PATRICK SNELL, CNN WORLD SPORT: American golfing superstar Scottie Scheffler is celebrating his third career major after sealing a triumphant five-shot victory here at the PGA Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A short time after his victory I caught up with Scottie and I asked him to reflect on this momentous win.

Scottie, many congratulations. A remarkable achievement. I will say though at time on the front nine you looked a bit like a boxer on the ropes. How did you manage to regroup and get yourself back together whilst fighting all that emotion as well on route to your third major title? SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER, WINNER OF 2025 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: Yeah, I think that's a good description, yeah. It felt a little like I was on the ropes a little bit. This golf course will keep you on your toes.

And I really -- it was weird because by the time -- like, seven, eight, nine, I felt like I hit really good tee shots. And I looked up and it was just like 30 yards left to where I was looking, which was a bit unusual. But making the turn, I kind of squared my shoulders up and I hit a really good tee ball on 10 and a really good tee ball on 11.

And after that I really did a good job of executing. I hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens, and played a really good nine holes when I -- when I really needed to.

SNELL: It's been a meteoric journey for you over the last three years. Talking big picture now -- your first PGA tour title and a wonderful moment as well -- you've become a father -- and now your third career major.

How do you reflect on that journey and how would you describe what it has actually been like for you? Give us a sense on that?

SCHEFFLER: Yeah, that's a great question. I mean, it's really hard to put into words. Meredith and I were talking this morning, and we still feel like we're in high school. I felt like we were in high school yesterday. Like, we just -- we just started dating and all of a sudden life out here is pretty cool right now. This is a lot of fun.

But at the end of the day life at home for us is pretty much the same. We have a good little life, and we have great friends at home, and I'm looking forward to getting home and celebrating with them.

SNELL: So Scheffler now adds the famed Wanamaker Trophy to his collection of two Masters titles, two coveted green jackets. And now his sights will firmly train on next month's U.S. Open at Oakmont.

Patrick Snell, CNN, Charlotte, North Carolina.

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SOLOMON: Thank you, Patrick.

And finally this hour, an unusual suspect caught the eye of an alert prison guard in Costa Rica earlier this month. It was a black and white cat sneaking around the prison grounds. And when officers caught it, they say that they found two packages of drugs attached to the body of the cat. They confiscated about half a pound of marijuana and almost 68 grams of crack paste.

The cat, which has been nicknamed "Narco Kitten" on social media, was then taking to the country's national animal health service for evaluation. I'm glad the cat is OK.

And thanks for joining us here on EARLY START. I'm Rahel Solomon live in New York. "CNN THIS MORNING" starts right now.