Molecular mechanisms of neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer progression

BACKGROUND: Rapid evolution of the therapeutic management of prostate cancer, especially in in second-generation androgen inhibitors, has increased the opportunity of transformation from prostate cancer (PCa) to neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). NEPC still lacks effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Researches into the molecular characteristics of neuroendocrine differentiation is undoubtedly crucial to the discovery of new target genes for accurate diagnostic and therapeutic targets. PURPOSE: In this review, we focus on the relevant genes and molecular mechanisms that have contributed to the transformation in the progression of PCa and discuss the potential targeted molecule that might improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic effectiveness. METHODS: The relevant literatures from PubMed have been reviewed for this article. CONCLUSION: Several molecular characteristics influence the progression of neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer which will provide a novel sight for accurate diagnosis and target therapeutic intervention for patients with NEPC.