Effects of tadalafil once daily or on demand versus placebo on time to recovery of erectile function in patients after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy

Evaluation of tadalafil supplementation on the neutrophil/lymphocyte and the platelet/lymphocyte ratios in patients with erectile dysfunction: A prospective study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the effect of daily 5 mg tadalafil on the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

30 subjects with ED were given tadalafil as well as 30 subjects with ED who were not receiving tadalafil were recruited. 30 healthy individuals served as controls.

RESULTS

Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the best cut off point of pre-treatment and post treatment NLR in the ED treatment group was found <1.51, <1.51, sensitivity of 68.3%, 58.3%, specificity of 53.3%, 53.3%, lower bound of 0.558, 0.517, upper bound of 0.789, 0.757, total accuracy of 67.4%, 63.7% and p 0.003, 0.0025, respectively. Additionally, the best cut off point of pre-treatment and post treatment PLR in the ED treatment group was found <5.89, <5.99, sensitivity of 65%, 63.3%, specificity of 63.3%, 53.3%, lower bound of 0.515, 0.435, upper bound of 0.755, 0.687, total accuracy of 63.5%, 56.1% and p 0.027, 0.341, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Daily 5 mg Tadalafil supplementation significantly improves erectile function through decreasing these markers as well as depression and anxiety.

An update on the current status and future prospects of erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

Radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation treatment are standard options for localized prostate cancer. Even though nerve-sparing techniques have been increasingly utilized in RP, erectile dysfunction (ED) due to neuropraxia remains a frequent complication. Erectile function recovery rates after RP remain unsatisfactory, and many men still suffer despite the availability of various therapies.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to summarize the current treatments for post-RP-ED, assess the underlying pathological mechanisms, and emphasize promising therapeutic strategies based on the evidence from basic research.

METHOD

Evaluation and review of articles on the relevant topic published between 2010 and 2021, which are indexed and listed in the PubMed database.

RESULTS

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intracavernosal and intraurethral injections, vacuum erection devices, pelvic muscle training, and surgical procedures are utilized for penile rehabilitation. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of erectogenic drugs in this setting are conflicting and far from being conclusive. The use of androgen deprivation therapy in certain scenarios after RP further exacerbates the already problematic situation and emphasizes the need for effective treatment strategies.

CONCLUSION

This article is a detailed overview focusing on the pathophysiology and mechanism of the nerve injury developed during RP and a compilation of various strategies to induce cavernous nerve regeneration to improve erectile function (EF). These strategies include stem cell therapy, gene therapy, growth factors, low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, immunophilins, and various pharmacological approaches that have induced improvements in EF in experimental models of cavernous nerve injury. Many of the mentioned strategies can improve EF following RP if transformed into clinically applicable safe, and effective techniques with reproducible outcomes.

Efficacy of Tadalafil in Penile Rehabilitation Started Before Nerve-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Double-Blind Pilot Study

Background

Despite the widespread practice of nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (nsRARP) for the treatment of localized prostate cancer (PCa), erectile dysfunction remains a significant sequela of radical prostatectomy.

Aim

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of tadalafil 5 mg once daily for erectile function recovery in patients who underwent nsRARP according to the timing of rehabilitation initiation.

Methods

In this double-blind, prospective pilot study, a total of 41 patients who underwent nsRARP were randomly assigned into 2 groups according to the timing of rehabilitation initiation. In the preRARP group (n = 20), tadalafil was started 2 weeks before nsRARP, and in the postRARP group (n = 21), it was started 4 weeks after nsRARP. Erectile function recovery after nsRARP was defined as an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score of ≥17.

Outcomes

The measures of EF recovery were the changes in IIEF-5 score.

Results

The rate of erectile function recovery at 12-month follow-up was 80.0% and 71.4% in the preRARP and postRARP groups, respectively. The mean differences between baseline and postoperative IIEF-5 scores at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up were −11.7 ± 3.2, −7.4 ± 3.2, −5.6 ± 1.5, and −4.1 ± 1.1 in the preRARP group and −14.7 ± 4.7, −12.0 ± 5.0, −9.7 ± 3.9, and −6.0 ± 3.1 in the postRARP group, respectively (1-month, P = .259; 3-months, P = .077; 6-months, P = .014; 12-months, P = .007).

Clinical implications

Preoperative tadalafil 5 mg once a day could be used effectively and safely as a strategy for penile rehabilitation after nsRARP.

Strengths and Limitations

This study is the first prospective trial of penile rehabilitation with tadalafil 5 mg once a day prior to nsRARP. This is a pilot study with the limitations of a small sample; further and large-scale studies with multiple cohorts, such as an untreated control group and an early immediate rehabilitation group for EF recovery, are needed.

Conclusion

This study suggests that preoperative penile rehabilitation using tadalafil may lead to better erectile function recovery than postoperative penile rehabilitation using tadalafil.

Noh T, Shim JS, Kang SG, et al. Efficacy of Tadalafil in Penile Rehabilitation Started Before Nerve-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Double-Blind Pilot Study. Sex Med 2022;10:100508.

Focusing on sexual rehabilitation besides penile rehabilitation following radical prostatectomy is important

Erectile dysfunction is commonly reported after radical prostatectomy. Besides the loss of erections, sexual life after prostatectomy is impacted by urinary incontinence, orgasmic dysfunction, and psychological stress. In this review, we describe classical medical therapies used for erectile function rehabilitation such as PDE5 inhibitors and injection therapy. A vast amount of data support the idea of focusing on restoration of sexual function on top of erectile function after prostatectomy. The important strategies described to rehabilitate sexual function include pelvic floor muscle therapy, couple therapy, appropriate preoperative counseling, and focusing on non-penetrative alternatives. A multidisciplinary approach and including the partner is important. Erectile function alone is not sufficient for satisfactory sexual experience and may not be used as a proxy for sexual quality of life. Adding full-spectrum sexual rehabilitation to a standard penile rehabilitation regimen has the highest chances of obtaining satisfactory sexual outcomes in men and their partners after radical prostatectomy.

Benefits of erectile function recovery programs after radical prostatectomy (Review)

Radical prostatectomy is one of the most frequent therapeutic options used for the management of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Normal erectile function after radical prostatectomy is a great problem for numerous patients and a real challenge for urologists worldwide. The advancements that have been made over the years in terms of minimally invasive surgery, as well as in terms of surgical techniques, have reduced the incidence of erectile dysfunction, but even so, its rate remains high and the post-operative recovery of erectile function is a long and costly process. Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors have provided excellent results and have become the first-line treatment for these patients, followed by intracavernous injections with alprostadil. Several studies have underlined the impact of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in terms of preventing the fibrotic changes that are responsible for the irreversible erectile dysfunction. The general opinion is that an erectile function recovery process should be started as soon as possible after surgery to prevent the negative effects of neuropraxia.

Penile rehabilitation for postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Despite efforts to preserve the neurovascular bundles with nerve-sparing surgery, erectile dysfunction remains common following radical prostatectomy. Postoperative penile rehabilitation seeks to restore erectile function but results have been conflicting.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of penile rehabilitation strategies in restoring erectile function following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

SEARCH METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search of multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase), the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, clinical trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) and a grey literature repository (Grey Literature Report) from their inception through to 3 January 2018. We also searched the reference lists of other relevant publications and abstract proceedings. We applied no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised or quasi-randomised trials with a parallel or cross-over design.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Two review authors independently screened the literature, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and rated quality of evidence according to GRADE on a per-outcome basis. Primary outcomes were self-reported potency, erectile function measured by validated questionnaires (with potency defined as an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) score of 19 or greater and or an IIEF-5 of score of 17 or greater) and serious adverse events. For all quality of life assessments on a continuous scale, higher values indicated better quality of life.

MAIN RESULTS

We included eight randomised controlled trials with 1699 participants across three comparisons. This abstract focuses on the primary outcomes of this review only.Scheduled phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) versus placebo or no treatmentScheduled PDE5I may have little or no effect on short-term (up to 12 months) self-reported potency (risk ratio (RR) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91 to1.41; very low quality evidence), which corresponds to 47 more men with self-reported potency per 1000 (95% CI 33 fewer to 149 more) and short-term erectile function as assessed by a validated instrument (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.55; very low quality evidence), which corresponds to 28 more men per 1000 (95% CI 50 fewer to 138 more), but we are very uncertain of both of these findings. Scheduled PDE5I may result in fewer serious adverse events compared to placebo (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.94; low quality evidence), though this does not appear biologically plausible and may represent a chance finding. We are also very uncertain of this finding. We found no long-term (longer than 12 months) data for any of the three primary outcomes.Scheduled PDE5I versus on-demand PDE5I Daily PDE5I appears to result in little to no difference in both short-term and long-term (greater than 12 months) self-reported potency (short term: RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.53; long term: RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.67; both very low quality evidence); this corresponds to nine fewer men with self-reported short-term potency per 1000 (95% CI 119 fewer to 166 more) and zero fewer men with self-reported long-term potency per 1000 (95% CI 153 fewer to 257 more). We are very uncertain of these findings. Daily PDE5I appears to result in little to no difference in short-term and long-term erectile function (short term: RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.55; long term; RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.14; both very-low quality evidence), which corresponds to zero men with short-term erectile dysfunction per 1000 (95% CI 80 fewer to 125 more) and 119 fewer men with long-term erectile dysfunction per 1000 (95% CI 239 fewer to 64 more). We are very uncertain of these findings. Scheduled PDE5I may result in little or no effects on short-term adverse events (RR 0.69 95% CI 0.12 to 4.04; very low quality evidence), which corresponds to seven fewer men with short-term serious adverse events (95% CI 18 fewer to 64 more), but we are very uncertain of these findings. We found no long-term data for serious adverse events.Scheduled PDE5I versus scheduled intraurethral prostaglandin E1At short-term follow-up, daily PDE5I may result in little or no effect on self-reported potency (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.79, to 1.52; very low quality evidence), which corresponds to 46 more men per 1000 (95% CI 97 fewer to 241 more). Daily PDE5I may result in a small improvement of erectile function (RR 1.64, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.20; very low quality evidence), which corresponds to 92 more men per 1000 (95% CI 23 fewer to 318 more) but we are very uncertain of both these findings. We found no long-term (longer than 12 months) data for any of the three primary outcomes.We found no evidence for any other comparisons and were unable to perform any of the preplanned subgroup analyses based on nerve-sparing approach, age or baseline erectile function.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on mostly very-low and some low-quality evidence, penile rehabilitation strategies consisting of scheduled PDE5I use following radical prostatectomy may not promote self-reported potency and erectile function any more than on demand use.

Efficacy and Safety of Tadalafil 5 mg Once Daily for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction After Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: A 2-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Although nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (NS-RALP) is performed, a large number of patients still experience erectile dysfunction (ED) after surgery.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tadalafil 5 mg once daily (OaD) in ED treatment over 2 years and investigate the cause of vascular ED after NS-RARP.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 95 men who underwent NS-RARP and had a penile rehabilitation treatment with tadalafil 5 mg OaD. They were classified into 3 groups: tadalafil 5 mg OaD for 2 years (group I), tadalafil 5 mg OaD for 1 year (group II), and no tadalafil (group III). All patients in group I underwent penile color duplex ultrasound to evaluate the cause of vascular ED.

OUTCOMES

Patients were surveyed using the abridged 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5).

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvements were observed in group I for all IIEF-5 domain scores (P = .000). There was no statistically significant difference in recovery of erectile function (EF) the 2-year follow-up between groups I and II. Sub-analysis based on NS status showed no difference in recovery of EF. However, group I showed better trends in EF improvement. Those with venogenic ED had poor responses compared with those with arteriogenic ED or unremarkable findings with tadalafil 5-mg OaD treatment (14.2% vs 55.0% vs 53.3%). The overall side effects included hot flushing in 9.5%, headache in 7.1%, and dizziness in 2.3% of patients.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Long-term usage of tadalafil 5 mg OaD after RARP can be an effective option for penile rehabilitation.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

The present study is a retrospective study with a relatively small sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the responses of patients with venogenic ED were limited compared with those with arteriogenic ED, tadalafil 5-mg OaD treatment was well tolerated and significantly improved EF up to 2 years after NS-RARP. Kim S, Sung GT. Efficacy and Safety of Tadalafil 5 mg Once Daily for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction After Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: A 2-Year Follow-Up. Sex Med 2018;6:108-114.

Comparison of erectile dysfunction guidelines between the UK (BSSM/NICE) and Europe (EAU)

Erectile dysfunction is a common and often debilitating condition. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the British Society of Sexual Medicine (BSSM) in the UK and the European Association of the Urology (EAU) have guidelines on the management of ED. This article will look at the similarities of the guidelines commenting where and how they differ.

Sexual Recovery Following Prostate Cancer: Recommendations From 2 Established Canadian Sexual Rehabilitation Clinics

INTRODUCTION

Supportive sexual health care is much-needed adjuvant care to oncologic management for men with prostate cancer (PCa).

AIM

To inspire the initiation of biopsychosocial sexual health programming where it does not exist and to inform program enhancement in existing sexual rehabilitation clinics (SRCs).

METHODS

This article reviews the combined 30-year experience of 2 well-established Canadian SRCs for men and their partners after PCa treatments, interwoven with empirical evidence.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

To comprehensively review the biopsychosocial approach to sexual health assessment of men with PCa and their partners to direct the practicalities of running a successful and sustainable SRC.

RESULTS

A full description of the biomedical and psychosocial approaches, inclusive of comprehensive sexual function, the penile rehabilitation controversy, and other medical and relationship issues affecting sexual adjustment, is provided to highlight the relevance of proper assessment and follow-through for sexual adaptation and adjustment. 10 recommendations for a successful SRC are discussed, including the principles behind developing a sustainable business plan, staff acquisition and training, budget, integration of treatment and research priorities, respectful and multidisciplinary approaches to care, and suggestions of visit formats, protocols, and questionnaires. We recommend a phased approach of an SRC into usual care with the option to provide accessible and equitable care to patients not within proximal access of treating institutions.

CONCLUSION

Sexual rehabilitation after treatment for PCa requires a complex treatment process. Providing sustainable sexual rehabilitation programming under the financially strained environment of the Canadian medical system is a challenge; therefore, to provide Canadian patients and their partners with comprehensive cancer care, they deserve a biopsychosocial approach combined with a creative and systematic implementation strategy. Elliott S, Matthew A. Sexual Recovery Following Prostate Cancer: Recommendations From 2 Established Canadian Sexual Rehabilitation Clinics. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:279-294.

Does penile rehabilitation have a role in the treatment of erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy?

In men undergoing radical treatment for prostate cancer, erectile function is one of the most important health-related quality-of-life outcomes influencing patient choice in treatment. Penile rehabilitation has emerged as a therapeutic measure to prevent erectile dysfunction and expedite return of erectile function after radical prostatectomy. Penile rehabilitation involves a program designed to increase the likelihood of return to baseline-level erectile function, as opposed to treatment, which implies the therapeutic treatment of symptoms, a key component of post–radical prostatectomy management. Several pathological theories form the basis for rehabilitation, and a plethora of treatments are currently in widespread use. However, whilst there is some evidence supporting the concept of penile rehabilitation from animal studies, randomised controlled trials are contradictory in outcomes. Similarly, urological guidelines are conflicted in terms of recommendations. Furthermore, it is clear that in spite of the lack of evidence for the role of penile rehabilitation, many urologists continue to employ some form of rehabilitation in their patients after radical prostatectomy. This is a significant burden to health resources in public-funded health economies, and no effective cost-benefit analysis has been undertaken to support this practice. Thus, further research is warranted to provide both scientific and clinical evidence for this contemporary practice and the development of preventative strategies in treating erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.

Influence of multinerve-sparing, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy on the recovery of erection in Japanese patients

Purpose

To evaluate in Japanese patients their sexual function after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to investigate the influence of the multinerve‐sparing (NS) grade on their sexual function.

Methods

In total, 225 patients were reviewed with localized prostate cancer who underwent RARP at the authors' institution. They underwent RARP >3 months ago, without pre‐ and posthormone therapy and salvage radiation. Self‐administered International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires were used for assessment preoperatively and 1–48 months postoperatively. In all, 129 patients were evaluated with the preoperative IIEF‐Question 1 and who achieved a score of ≥2 by being divided into five NS groups. The recovery rates of erection (postoperative IIEF‐Question 1 score of ≥2) were calculated by using the Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Seventy‐four percent of all the patients had not attempted sexual intercourse, but 60% had felt sexual desire at 24 months postoperatively. In those patients with a preoperative erection, the recovery rate of erection was 58% at 24 months after the RARP. Across the five NS groups, as the procedure was more nerve‐sparing, the recovery rate of erection became significantly higher. The postoperative effects on erection in the bilateral and unilateral NS groups were significantly superior to those in the other NS groups.

Conclusion

In Japanese patients, erection after a RARP is improved with multiNS grade procedures.

Penile rehabilitation after nerve-sparing prostatectomy: Fact or fiction?

A 65-year-old man is seen in the clinic two months after a robot-assisted bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. He is completely continent and has been since the catheter was removed. The main reason for his referral is erectile dysfunction. Pre-operatively his SHIM score was 25 (maximum score 25). He currently experiences some thickening with stimulation, and an erection hardness score of 2. He has a pleasurable sensation of orgasm during which he remains dry. His sex drive remains normal. He has a long-standing history of hypertension and raised LDL cholesterol, managed with amlodipine and simvastatin respectively. He has no other overt cardiovascular or ischaemic heart disease, and he is not a diabetic, but has an elevated fasting glucose of 6.0 mmol per litre. He stopped smoking five years ago, is 5 feet 11 inches tall, a weight of 95 kg, has a waist measurement of 44 inches (BMI 29 – upper end of overweight) (range <18.50 underweight; 18.50–24.99 healthy weight; 25.00–29.99 overweight; >30.00 obese). He performs no regular exercise. His wife is 60. He is keen to try to regain his erectile function.

Postprostatectomy Erectile Dysfunction: A Review

In the current era of the early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) and the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques, erectile dysfunction (ED) represents an important issue, with up to 68% of patients who undergo radical prostatectomy (RP) complaining of postoperative erectile function (EF) impairment. In this context, it is crucial to comprehensively consider all factors possibly associated with the prevention of post-RP ED throughout the entire clinical management of PCa patients. A careful assessment of both oncological and functional baseline characteristics should be carried out for each patient preoperatively. Baseline EF, together with age and the overall burden of comorbidities, has been strongly associated with the chance of post-RP EF recovery. With this goal in mind, internationally validated psychometric instruments are preferable for ensuring proper baseline EF evaluations, and questionnaires should be administered at the proper time before surgery. Careful preoperative counselling is also required, both to respect the patient's wishes and to avoid false expectations regarding eventual recovery of baseline EF. The advent of robotic surgery has led to improvements in the knowledge of prostate surgical anatomy, as reflected by the formal redefinition of nerve-sparing techniques. Overall, comparative studies have shown significantly better EF outcomes for robotic RP than for open techniques, although data from prospective trials have not always been consistent. Preclinical data and several prospective randomized trials have demonstrated the value of treating patients with oral phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) after surgery, with the concomitant potential benefit of early re-oxygenation of the erectile tissue, which appears to be crucial for avoiding the eventual penile structural changes that are associated with postoperative neuropraxia and ultimately result in severe ED. For patients who do not properly respond to PDE5is, proper counselling regarding intracavernous treatment should be considered, along with the further possibility of surgical treatment for ED involving the implantation of a penile prosthesis.

Effects of Tadalafil Once-Daily or On-Demand vs Placebo on Return to Baseline Erectile Function After Bilateral Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy--Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial (REACTT)

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled REACTT trial suggested that treatment with tadalafil once daily (OaD) started early after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (nsRP) for prostate cancer may contribute to erectile function (EF)-recovery, which was predefined as achieving an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-EF score ≥22. Here, we report descriptive post-hoc analyses, using the more strict definition for EF-recovery of returning back to the pre-surgery IIEF-EF-level ("back-to-baseline analysis").

METHODS

REACTT included 422 men <68 years with adenocarcinoma of the prostate and preoperative IIEF-EF ≥22 who underwent nsRP at 50 centers from 9 European countries and Canada. Patients were randomized post-nsRP 1:1:1 to 9-month double-blind treatment (DBT) with tadalafil 5 mg OaD (n = 139), tadalafil 20 mg on-demand (pro-re-nata, PRN; n = 142), or placebo (n = 141), followed by 6-week drug-free washout (DFW) and 3-month open-label tadalafil OaD treatment (OLT).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Proportion of patients returning to their preoperative IIEF-EF category (22-25 or ≥26) at the end of DBT, DFW, and OLT.

RESULTS

Overall, 92.4% of patients had pre-surgery (baseline) IIEF-EF scores ≥26 (tadalafil OaD 94.2%, PRN 91.6%, placebo 91.5%), 7.4% had IIEF-EF 22-25. At the end of DBT, 22.3% of patients on tadalafil OaD had achieved "back-to-baseline" IIEF-EF, compared with 11.3% on tadalafil PRN and 7.8% on placebo. Of all 58 patients "back-to-baseline" at the end of DBT, only 1 PRN-group patient had started from a baseline IIEF-EF <26. The treatment-group difference at the end of DBT was not maintained after DFW. After 3 months of OLT with tadalafil OaD, the proportion of patients with "back-to-baseline" IIEF-EF had almost doubled in all 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

Changing the definition for EF-recovery from IIEF-EF ≥22 to the more strict definition of "returning back-to-baseline IIEF-EF" had no major impact. Tadalafil OaD started early after nsRP improved drug-assisted EF, but had no effect on unassisted EF following treatment cessation after 9 months.

Effects of tadalafil treatment after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy: quality of life, psychosocial outcomes, and treatment satisfaction results from a randomized, placebo-controlled phase IV study

Background

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trial primarily evaluated the efficacy of tadalafil once-daily (OaD) or on-demand (“pro-re-nata”; PRN) treatment, started early post-nsRP. Secondary outcome-measures on quality-of-life (QoL) and treatment satisfaction are reported.

Methods

Patients, aged <68 yrs, with adenocarcinoma of the prostate (Gleason ≤ 7, normal preoperative erectile function [EF]) were randomized post-nsRP 1:1:1 to 9-month treatment with tadalafil 5 mg OaD, tadalafil 20 mg PRN, or placebo, followed by 6-week drug-free washout and 3-month open-label tadalafil OaD treatment (OLT). The main outcome measures were Changes in Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26), Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS), and Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaires (mixed-model-for-repeated-measures, including terms for treatment, visit, treatment-by-visit interaction, age-group, country, baseline-score). LS means with 95% confidence interval (CI) are reported.

Results

423 patients were randomized to 3 treatment-groups: tadalafil OaD (N = 139), PRN (N = 143), or placebo (N = 141). In each group, 57 (41.0%), 58 (40.6%), and 50 (35.5%) patients were aged 61-68 yrs. At the end of double-blind treatment (DBT), patients’ EPIC sexual domain-scores improved significantly with tadalafil OaD versus placebo (treatment effect [95% CI]: 9.6 [3.1,16.0]; p = 0.004); comparisons of PRN versus placebo at end of DBT, and comparisons of tadalafil OaD and PRN versus placebo after OLT were not significant. Only in older patients (61-68 yrs; age-by-treatment p ≤ 0.1), EPIC urinary incontinence domain-scores also improved significantly with tadalafil OaD versus placebo (overall treatment effect across all visits, 8.3 [0.4,16.1]; p = 0.040). Treatment satisfaction increased significantly in both tadalafil groups, EDITS total-scores increased significantly with OaD and PRN versus placebo during DBT (p = 0.005 and p = 0.041, respectively). At the end of OLT, improvement was significant for tadalafil OaD versus placebo only (p = 0.035). No significant differences were observed for SEAR.

Conclusions

These results suggest that chronic dosing of tadalafil improves QoL of patients post-nsRP. The improvement of urinary incontinence in elderly patients randomized to tadalafil OaD may contribute to this effect.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01026818.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12894-015-0022-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy: does it work?

CONTEXT

Erectile dysfunction (ED) represents one of the most common long-term side effects in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (RP).

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the role of penile rehabilitation in the recovery of erectile function (EF) after nerve-sparing RP.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Penile rehabilitation is defined as the use of any intervention or combination with the goal not only to achieve erections sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourses, but also to return EF to preoperative levels. The concept of rehabilitation is based on the implementation of protocols aimed at improving oxygenation, preserving endothelial structure, and preventing smooth muscle structural alterations. Nowadays, the most commonly adopted approaches for penile rehabilitation after nerve-sparing RP are represented by the administration of phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is), intracorporeal injection therapy, vacuum erection devices (VED), and the combination of these therapies. Several basic science studies support the rational for the adoption of penile rehabilitation protocols. Particularly, rehabilitation, set as early as possible, seems to be better than leaving the erectile tissues unassisted. On the other hand, results from solid prospective randomized trials finally assessing the long-term beneficial effects of PDE5-Is, intracavernosal injections, or VED on EF recovery after surgery are still lacking.

CONCLUSIONS

Although preclinical evidences support the rationale for penile rehabilitation after nerve-sparing RP, clinical studies reported conflicting results regarding its efficacy on long-term EF recovery. Nowadays, which is the optimal rehabilitation program still represents a matter of debate.