Sen. McCain ends treatment

The longtime Arizona GOP lawmaker, who turns 82 next week, has an aggressive form of brain cancer.

WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain is suspending treatment for brain cancer, his family said Friday.

The long-serving Arizona Republican announced last summer that he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and often fatal form of brain cancer. He turns 82 next week.

“John has surpassed expectations for his survival. But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict. With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment,” his family said in a statement.

Well-wishes poured in from McCain’s congressional colleagues soon after. The six-term senator and two-time presidential candidate has sought treatment at home since December.

On Twitter, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said he was saddened by the news about “our dear friend.”

“We are so fortunate to call him our friend and colleague. John, Cindy and the entire McCain family are in our prayers at this incredibly difficult hour,” he said.

His fellow senator from Arizona, Jeff Flake, said on Twitter: “God bless and keep this wonderful man and his family.”

McCain’s absence from the Capitol has narrowed Republicans’ 51-seat majority in the Senate, bolstering Democrats’ chances of stopping action with the support of just one wavering Republican.

With McCain absent, for example, President Trump’s pick for the Supreme Court, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, could be confirmed only if every Republican votes yes, assuming all Democrats vote no.

Because glioblastoma grows into brain tissue, complete removal is impossible. Radiation and chemotherapy are common treatments.

Median survival is 15 months, according to the American Brain Tumor Assn., although a 2009 study found that 1 in 10 patients can survive five years or longer.

McCain has made clear he intends to stay in office until his death.

Arizona law gives broad leeway to the governor in replacing McCain if he resigns or dies in office.

The replacement has to be a Republican and would serve until voters have a chance to vote for a new senator in the next general election.

At this point, it’s too late for 2018, so voters would get a say in 2020 for who would serve out the rest of McCain’s term that expires in January 2023.

It sets up the possibility that Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who has ruled out appointing himself, could choose a replacement who might be more willing to toe the party line.