Are neuroendocrine cells of practical value as an independent prognostic parameter in prostate cancer?

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether the presence of neuroendocrine (NE) cells is of value as an independent indicator of poor prognosis in patients with prostate carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A series of 160 consecutive patients with prostate carcinoma was studied retrospectively. In 120 there was sufficient tissue for review and to perform immunoperoxidase stains for neuron specific enolase (NSE) and chromogranin A (CGA). All patients had a potential follow-up of at least 5 years.

RESULTS

Five-year survival was poorer for patients with a high tumour grade and stage at presentation compared to those with a lower grade and stage. NE cells were more common in higher grade and stage disease, but 5-year survival did not differ significantly between patients with NE cell positive and negative tumours.

CONCLUSION

NE cells are of no practical value as an independent prognostic indicator in patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma.