[Small cell carcinoma of the prostate. Description of a case]

The case of a 73-year-old man with metastatic small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the prostate is described. Seric neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was enhanced (75.4 ng/mL), while the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was in the normal range. Therapy with etoposide and carboplatin induced a temporary partial remission, with fairly good quality of life and decrease of the NSE levels (down to 15.0 ng/mL). The patient died approximately 12 months after the initial diagnosis. The case confirms that prostatic SCC (a rare and very aggressive neoplasm) is usually diagnosed in an advanced stage. Treatment is problematic, however chemotherapy may prolong survival allowing, at least temporarly, an acceptable life quality. NSE measurement is useful to differentiate SCC from the more common adenocarcinoma (typically associated with elevated PSA values) and for follow-up.