Clinicopathologic Diagnostic Approach to Aggressive Variant Prostate Cancer

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2020 Jan;144(1):18-23. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2019-0124-RA. Epub 2019 Aug 12.

Abstract

Context.—: Aggressive variant prostate cancer (AVPCa) develops in a subset of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The clinical and histologic overlap of AVPCa with other neuroendocrine carcinomas of the prostate has resulted in a lack of consensus on its terminology and treatment.

Objective.—: To review AVPCa to familiarize pathologists with this entity so they can actively participate in the detection, ongoing research, and evolving management of AVPCa.

Data sources.—: The English language literature was reviewed.

Conclusions.—: The current review summarizes the pathologic features of AVPCa, describes how it has been defined clinically, and discusses how biomarkers may inform treatment strategies in the future.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / diagnosis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / pathology*