Abstract
Objectives: To review neuroendocrine differentiation in the precursors of prostatic carcinoma (prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia). Methods: Background information is given on the prostatic neuroendocrine cell and neuroendocrine differentiation in prostatic carcinoma. Neuroendocrine differentiation in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia is reviewed. Results: Neuroendocrine differentiation occurs in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and is intermediate in degree between normal (which has the most cells with neuroendocrine differentiation) and carcinoma. Conclusion: Neuroendocrine differentiation in the precursors of prostatic carcinoma may play a role in the pathogenesis of cancer but is speculative at this time. Methods to better assess neuroendocrine differentiation are needed.