Neuroendocrine features of prostatic tumors: state of the art]

Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation in prostate cancer has received much attention recently because it has been found to be associated with androgen independence and shortened patient survival in some studies. The present review focuses on morphogenics origins of NE cells, growth properties and the androgen receptor status and relationship between NE-secreted products and regulation of angiogenesis and apoptosis.