Models of Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of male cancer deaths in the United States and most western countries. Prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed form of prostate cancer. Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is less frequently identified at the time of initial diagnosis, but this highly aggressive form of prostate cancer is increasingly observed in patients who have failed first and second line hormone therapy. Thus, developing and exploring models of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NePC) is of increasing importance. Here we review the relevant xenograft tumor and genetically engineered mouse models of NePC, with the aim of addressing salient features and clinical relevance.