Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer (NEPC)
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a rare pathologic subtype of prostate cancer that is highly malignant and has specific genetic and molecular alterations. Alfa Cytology is a world leader in the research of neuroendocrine prostate cancer. With our extensive experience and advanced platform, we can provide the best solutions for you.
Introduction to Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer (NEPC)
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with high global incidence and associated mortality. Recent evidence suggests that widespread use of effective AR pathway inhibitors may increase the incidence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), an aggressive and resistant treatment-resistant AR-negative variant.
Fig. 1 Proposed pathways related to NEPC. (Shui, X., et al. 2022)
Changes in NEPC-Related Genes and Molecular Pathways
AR-Related Pathways
Androgen receptor (AR) signaling axis plays a crucial role in prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Under selective pressure of ADT (androgen deprivation therapy) or ARPI (androgen receptor pathway inhibitor), downregulation of AR expression or activity leads to high incidence of NEPC.
Epigenetic Regulators
A variety of genetic alterations are present in NEPC, including mutations in TP53, RB1, and PTEN. Changes in the expression of these genes increase the expression of NE markers, stem cell reprogramming factors, and epigenetic regulators, leading to epigenetic reprogramming in the direction of a stem cell-like state, which ultimately promotes NEPC formation.
Our Services
Currently, the exact mechanisms driving NEPC differentiation remain unclear, in part due to the limited availability of cell and tumor models of NEPC. Therefore, there is a need for a preclinical drug evaluation platform to assess therapeutic response. At Alfa Cytology, we are committed to providing one-stop development platform for tumor models in NEPC, with advanced technology and expertise.
One-Stop Solutions for Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer (NEPC)
Small Molecule Drug
- PARP inhibitors
- AURKA inhibitors
- DLL3 targeted therapies
- And More
Tumor Model Development Services
We provide various preclinical animal models required for drug development to accelerate your drug development process.
| Name | Description |
| Cell Lines | |
| NCI-H660 | The gold-standard, well-characterized human cell line derived from a metastatic small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. AR-negative, expresses NE markers (CgA, Syn). |
| LASCPC-01 | A human cell line established from the ascitic fluid of a patient with widely metastatic small cell prostate cancer. |
| 42D-EnzR | An enzalutamide-resistant subline derived from the C4-2 CRPC cell line through chronic drug exposure. Exhibits upregulated NE markers. |
| LNCaP-abl | A derivative of LNCaP cells adapted to long-term growth in androgen-depleted media. Displays castration resistance and altered lineage plasticity. |
| Cell Line-Derived Xenograft (CDX) Models | |
| NCI-H660 Xenograft | Immunocompromised mice engrafted with the NCI-H660 cell line (subcutaneously or orthotopically). A standard model for therapeutic efficacy studies. |
| Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models | |
| MDA PCa | A well-characterized PDX model established from an autopsy sample of a treatment-emergent NEPC (t-NEPC) patient. |
| LTL-352 | A PDX model known for its mixed adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine differentiation, reflecting tumor heterogeneity. |
If you are looking for therapy development services for neuroendocrine prostate cancer, Alfa Cytology provides comprehensive support. By partnering with us, you'll receive personalized consulting services and efficient project advancement. If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us for further information and pricing details.
Reference
- Shui, X., et al. Advances in neuroendocrine prostate cancer research: From model construction to molecular network analyses. Laboratory investigation; a journal of technical methods and patholog. 2022, 102(4): 332-340.
For research use only.