Small cell carcinoma of the prostate

Abstract

Small-cell carcinoma (SCC) of the prostate is a rare subtype of prostate cancer characterized by an aggressive clinical course Approximately 40–50% of men with prostatic SCCs have a history of conventional prostatic adenocarcinoma SCC of the prostate is usually not responsive to androgen deprivation and disease progression is not associated with rises in serum PSA levels A biopsy of accessible lesions should be considered when SCC is suspected Chemotherapy represents the backbone of management for men with advanced prostatic SCC SCC is radiosensitive and radiotherapy might offer local palliation of symptoms such as bladder outlet obstruction and pain