Clinicopathologic diagnostic approach to aggressive variant prostate cancer

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.