IP: Dra. Rosa María Sáinz Menéndez

Resumen del proyecto: Prostate cancer is currently the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in Spaniar men and the first leading cause of death of cancer-related deaths. Cancer survival after 5 years has been increased significantly mainly due to a better understanding of tumor biology. Although, primary localized prostatic carcinoma can be controlled by hormone ablation therapy or surgery, tumor relapse and this situation often leads to resistance to conventional treatments. The increase of neuroendocrine cells is usually associated with poor prognosis and hormone independence in prostate cancer and thus, insensitivity to antitumor therapy. An increased expression in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2) explains its high resistance to conventional treatments. However, it is unknown the reason why its overexpression leads the transdifferentiation of epithelial prostate human cancer cells to a neuroendocrine phenotype. The role of neuroendocrine cells in tumor progression is still matter of debate. Also, it is unknown its embryologic origin. The main aim of this proposal is to seek for the real origin of these cells in the prostate gland and as well as its real role in tumor progression.

Entidad financiadora: Instituto de Salud Carlos III