Molecular events in neuroendocrine prostate cancer development

Nat Rev Urol. 2021 Oct;18(10):581-596. doi: 10.1038/s41585-021-00490-0. Epub 2021 Jul 21.

Abstract

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a lethal subtype of prostate cancer. NEPC arises de novo only rarely; the disease predominantly develops from adenocarcinoma in response to drug-induced androgen receptor signalling inhibition, although the mechanisms behind this transdifferentiation are a subject of debate. The survival of patients with NEPC is poor, and few effective treatment options are available. To improve clinical outcomes, understanding of the biology and molecular mechanisms regulating NEPC development is crucial. Various NEPC molecular drivers make temporal contributions during NEPC development, and despite the limited treatment options available, several novel targeted therapeutics are currently under research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics
  • Adenocarcinoma / metabolism*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Transdifferentiation*
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / genetics
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / metabolism*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology
  • Platinum Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / drug therapy
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / pathology
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism*

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Platinum Compounds
  • Receptors, Androgen