Pathological Characteristics of Neuroendocrine Cell Differentiation in Prostate Cancer.
10.4111/kju.2007.48.2.143
- Author:
Yong June KIM
1
;
Gheeyoung CHOE
;
Sung Kyu HONG
;
Seok Soo BYUN
;
Sang Eun LEE
;
Nam Kyu LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Prostate;
Carcinoma;
neuroendocrine;
Ki-67 antigen
- MeSH:
Antibodies;
Cell Differentiation;
Cell Proliferation;
Chromogranin A;
Humans;
Immunohistochemistry;
Neuroendocrine Cells*;
Prostate*;
Prostatectomy;
Prostatic Neoplasms*
- From:Korean Journal of Urology
2007;48(2):143-151
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Neuroendocrine (NE) cells in a prostate carcinoma may play important roles in tumor growth, proliferation and progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the NE cell differentiation status and pathological characteristics of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radical prostatectomy specimens from 215 patients were available for analysis. NE cell were detected by immunohistochemistry, using antibodies to chromogranin A (CgA). Tumor cell proliferation was assessed using the Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) employing the MIB-1 antibody. Staining of CgA was scored as: 0= no staining; 1= staining cell < 10; 2= staining 10-20; and 3= staining cell >20. Tumors were classified depending on their staining score, positive staining and growth pattern. RESULTS: NE cell differentiation was present in 25.1% (54/215) of tumors. The amount of NE cells significantly increased; from tumors with solitary scattered NE cells to both small and large clusters (p<0.05). NE cell differentiation and the growth pattern were correlated with the Ki-67 PI (p<0.05). With respect to high-grade tumors, an increased PI was found in tumors with positive NE cells compared with those with negative NE (p<0.05). Pathologically advanced tumors, or those with higher histological grades, were associated with NE cell differentiation and Ki-67 PI (p<0.05). CONCLISIONS: NE cell differentiation in prostate cancer may lead to increased proliferation, high-grade tumors and an advanced stage. The exact prognostic significance of NE still has to be addressed in larger prospective, comparative and highly selective clinical studies.
