Understanding a little about the prostate gland and its biology is not only interesting, but it allows us to ask some important questions that can positively inform our treatment decisions and eventually the outcomes. On the other hand, it also can add to the confusion we all face in making the best clinical decisions.
Like other organs in the human body the prostate is composed of many different types of cells as well as extracellular components. The normal prostate gland is composed of a series of repeating cellular units that contain both stromal and epithelial compartments. During prostate development, cellular interactions between the stromal cells and the prostate epithelial cells ultimately lead to the development of a mature prostate gland.
The epithelial compartment contains luminal epithelial cells, basal cells and a minor component of neuroendocrine cells. Their function is believed to be to regulate the growth, differentiation and secretory function of the prostate gland.
We also know that neuroendocrine cells are present in the cellular mix which is present in many prostate cancers. Numerous studies showed that the number of neuroendocrine cells increases in high grade and high stage tumors. This is especially true in hormonally treated and hormone-refractory (castrate resistant) prostate cancer.
Hormone therapy (ADT) reduces the secretion of the androgens from the prostate stromal cells that are critical for the survival for prostate epithelial cells. There is also evidenc