EAU 2021 | EMT switch activation by peri-neural invading epithelial cells decreases OS in prostate cancer

Noel Clarke, MBBS, FRCS, ChM, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK, outlines the significance of peri-neural invasion in the management of patients with prostate cancer and the role of localized activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in its underlying pathology. Prof. Clarke reports that peri-neural invading epithelial cells which are located near to the edge of the prostate present with features which are consistent with a switch to metastatic behavior in comparison to peri-neural invading epithelial cells embedded within the prostate tumor. Prof. Clarke also reports that activation of the EMT switch has been found to be associated with a significantly decreased overall survival (OS) rate. This interview took place at the virtual European Association of Urology (EAU) Virtual Meeting 2021.