Potassium paraaminobenzoate (POTABA) in the treatment of Peyronie's disease: a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized study

Healing of Peyronie's disease after multimodal antioxidant treatment. A case series

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) is characterized by fibrosis of the penile tunica albuginea. Conservative treatment options may involve oral and/or injectable medications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This case series includes four patients with PD in the first phase. The diagnosis of PD included a medical history; penile palpation; a physical examination of the penis, documenting penile deformity (Kelâmi method); penile dynamic Doppler ultrasound (PDDU) + elastography, measuring the plaque and calculating its volume (cm3), and the deformation index (strain ratio); and the completion of the following questionnaires: IIEF to assess erectile function, VAS to assess pain, and Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) symptom bother to evaluate the psychosexual impact of the disease. Diagnostic follow-up evaluations were conducted before and every 6-12 months throughout the conservative treatment. The four patients were treated at our andrology clinic between January 2019 and November 2023. Our treatment included the following: bilberry, propolis, ginkgo biloba, silymarin, L-carnitine, coenzime Q-10, Boswellia, superoxide dismutase, vitamin E, vitamin C, topical diclofenac gel, propolis cream, and perilesional penile injections with pentoxifylline for cases involving penile plaques with volumes of > 0.100 cm3.

RESULTS

Complete resorption of the PD plaque after treatment occurred in all cases. The disappearance of Peyronie's plaque occurred over a period ranging from 18 to 36 months, in relation to the volume of the plaque.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the limited sample size in our study, these patients verifiably achieved the complete resorption of the affected disease area. Our results will provide useful insights for uroandrological clinical practice. Nevertheless, randomized controlled trials with a larger number of PD patients are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of multimodal antioxidant treatment.

Analysis of evidence on nutraceutical interventions for Peyronie's disease: a guideline-based critical review

INTRODUCTION

The management of Peyronie's disease (PD) is a challenge for the clinician. Despite the lack of etiologic therapy, different nonsurgical approaches have often been empirically proposed. The most used treatment is based on nutraceutical drugs with antioxidant activity, although such an intervention remains controversial.

OBJECTIVES

We reviewed the evidence from the randomized controlled trials included in the recommendations of the American Urological Association (AUA), Canadian Urological Association (CUA), European Association of Urology, and International Society for Sexual Medicine.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials, reviews, and guidelines on nutraceutical interventions for PD.

RESULTS

Our analysis provides detailed information on potential interventions, underlying the inconsistent evidence. Acetyl esters of carnitine, although not recommended by any of the available guidelines, showed potential benefit in some selected studies. Omega-3 fatty acids are not recommended due to withdrawn study evidence. The CUA and AUA were the only societies to consider the use of coenzyme Q10. While the CUA suggested that it might be offered as a treatment option, the AUA refrained from taking a definitive stance due to insufficient evidence. Similarly, conflicting recommendations have been produced on potassium para-aminobenzoate. While the CUA considers potassium para-aminobenzoate potentially useful in slowing PD progression, the AUA deems the evidence insufficient. Conversely, both the International Society for Sexual Medicine and European Association of Urology do not recommend its use.

CONCLUSION

This critical comparative analysis of the most recent guidelines produced by the leading scientific societies highlights some inconsistencies in the recommendations on nutraceutical intervention for PD, even within a background of overall ineffectiveness of this treatment approach.

Acute Phase Peyronie's Disease: Where Do We Stand?

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a common benign condition characterized by superficial fibrosis and scar formation at the tunica albuginea of the penis, eventually leading to penile curvature. It is believed that penile micro-traumas during intercourse and subsequent activation of inflammatory processes constitute the pathogenetic basis of the disease. Routinely, PD is divided into acute and chronic phases, with pain during erection or flaccid state being the hallmark of the former. Surgical intervention should be avoided during the acute phase, as the risk of recurrence or progression of penile deformity during this stage might affect the optimal outcomes of the procedure. During this stage, many conservative treatment options have been suggested, including oral, topical, and intralesional therapies, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and penile traction therapy (PTT). Currently, the optimal treatment consists of a combined treatment strategy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), ESWT for pain management, PTT, and intralesional therapies. Large, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to further elucidate the most efficient treatment option for acute phase PD.

[Current treatment concepts for Peyronie's disease]

Plastic induration of the penis (PIP, Peyronie's disease) is an acquired and chronic disease of the penis, which is characterized by penile pain, distortion and deformation of the penis as well as the resulting impairments in sexual activity of the patient. The most probable causes are microtrauma and macrotrauma within the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa, which due to an abnormal wound healing subsequently leads to the formation of fibrosis in this region. Various predisposing factors and also a genetic predisposition are discussed. The PIP occurs most frequently in the fifth to sixth decades of life. The prevalence is 0.3-20% depending on the investigated collective and the risk factors present. The PIP is subdivided into an acute inflammatory phase and a chronic postinflammatory phase. Various conservative and surgical treatment options include oral medication, penile traction therapy, intralesional injections and surgical procedures.

A systematic review of non-surgical management in Peyronie's disease

The efficacy of many non-surgical treatments for Peyronie's disease is unclear. This systematic review aims to critically assess the currently available options and provide a recommendation for treatment based on this. A systematic literature search utilising the Medline (Pubmed), Embase, global health and Cochrane library databases was conducted up to May 2021. All randomised controlled trials assessing non-surgical treatment modalities for Peyronie's Disease were included. Individual study risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane tool and GRADE was used to assess evidence strength. Outcome measures were the change in penile curvature (degrees), plaque size (volume or size), International Index of Erectile Function score, pain scores and change in penile length. Prospero registration number: CRD42017064618. Amongst the 5549 articles identified, 41 studies (42 reports) were included. Seven different oral treatment options including vitamin E supplementation showed evidence for improving outcomes such as penile curvature and plaque size. Of the intralesional treatments, Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum showed evidence for improving penile curvature (Range: 16.3-17 degrees, moderate level certainty of evidence). Intralesional Interferon demonstrated some improvement in curvature (Range: 12-13.5 degrees), plaque size (Range: 1.67-2.2 cm2) and pain, whilst intralesional calcium channel blockers such as Verapamil showed variable evidence for changes in the plaque size and pain. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy consistently demonstrated evidence for improving penile pain in stable disease, and two mechanical traction devices improved curvature. Iontophoresis, topical medications, and combination therapies did not demonstrate any consistent improvements in outcome measures. Intralesional options demonstrate the best potential. Overall, results varied with few high-quality randomised trials present.

Fibrotic Diseases of the Human Urinary and Genital Tract: Current Understanding and Potential Strategies for Treatment

Fibrosis is a disease condition characterized by abnormalities of the extracellular matrix, such as accumulation of the transforming growth factor β, infiltration by myofibroblasts, deposition of collagen, and a generalized dysregulation of collagen maturation. It can severely impair the function of organs by replacing normal tissue with a highly collagenized matrix, thereby reducing the elasticity and compliance of tissues. Fibrotic diseases of the genitourinary tract present relevant problems in healthcare, and their principles of pathophysiology remain unclarified; hence, the armamentarium for prevention and treatment is limited. These diseases include renal fibrosis, Peyronie's disease and ureteral and urethral strictures due to perturbations in the process of wound healing in response to injuries. Such deteriorations may contribute to obstructive uropathies or sexual dysfunction. This review provides a brief overview of the most frequent fibrotic diseases of the genitourinary system and of how the pathophysiology is related to symptoms, and also highlights potential therapeutic strategies to address the abnormal deposition of collagen. Although the understanding of factors associated with fibrotic conditions of the urinary and genital tract is still limited, some beneficial advances have been made. Further research will serve to provide a more comprehensive insight into factors responsible for the development of fibrotic tissue deposition.

Non-surgical therapies for Peyronie's disease

BACKGROUND

Peyronie's disease is a condition that results in the development of penile plaques that can lead to penile curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction, making sexual activity difficult. A number of non-surgical interventions exist to improve this condition, which include topical and injection agents as well as mechanical methods; however, their effectiveness remains uncertain. We performed this review to determine the effects of these non-surgical treatments.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of non-surgical therapies compared to placebo or no treatment in individuals with Peyronie's disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search using multiple databases (the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science), trials registries, other sources of grey literature, and conference proceedings, up to 23 September 2022. We applied no restrictions on publication language or status.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included trials in which men with Peyronie's disease were randomized to undergo non-surgical therapies versus placebo or no treatment for penile curvature and sexual function.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two of four review authors, working in pairs, independently classified studies and abstracted data from the included studies. Primary outcomes were: patient-reported ability to have intercourse, quality of life, and treatment-related adverse effects. Secondary outcomes were: degree of penile curvature, discontinuation from treatment (for any reason), subjective patient-reported change in penile curvature, and improvement in penile pain. We performed statistical analyses using a random-effects model. We rated the certainty of evidence (CoE) according to the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

Our search identified 1288 relevant references of which we included 18 records corresponding to 14 unique randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 1810 men. These informed 10 distinct comparisons with relevant outcome data that were mostly extracted from single trials. In this abstract, we focus only on the most clinically relevant comparisons for the three primary outcomes and also include the outcome of degree penile curvature. Injectional collagenase (short-term): We found no short-term evidence on injectional collagenase for patients' self-reported ability to have intercourse and treatment-related adverse effects compared to placebo injection. Injectional collagenase may result in little to no difference in quality of life (scale 0 to 20 with lower scores indicating better quality of life; mean difference (MD) 1.8 lower, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.58 to -0.02; 1 study, 134 participants; low CoE) and there may be little to no effect on the degree of penile curvature (MD 10.90 degrees less, 95% CI -16.24 to -5.56; 1 study, 136 participants; low CoE). Injectional collagenase (long-term): We also found no long-term evidence on injectional collagenase for patients' self-reported ability to have intercourse compared to placebo injection. It likely results in little to no effect on quality of life (MD 1.00 lower, 95% CI -1.60 to -0.40; 1 study, 612 participants; moderate CoE). Treatment-related adverse effects are likely increased (risk ratio (RR) 2.32, 95% CI 1.98 to 2.72; 1 study, 832 participants; moderate CoE). Injectional collagenase likely results in little to no change in the degree of penile curvature (MD 6.90 degrees less, 95% CI -9.64 to -4.14; 1 study, 612 participants; moderate CoE). Injectional verapamil (short-term): We are very uncertain how injectional verapamil may affect patients' self-reported ability to have intercourse compared to placebo injection short-term (RR 7.00, 95% CI 0.43 to 114.70; 1 study, 14 participants; very low CoE). We found no evidence for the outcome of quality of life. We are very uncertain how injectional verapamil may affect treatment-related adverse effects (RR not estimable; 1 study, 14 participants; very low CoE). Similarly, we are very uncertain how injectional verapamil may affect degree of penile curvature (MD -1.86, 95% CI -10.39 to 6.67; 1 study, 14 participants; very low CoE). We found no long-term data for any outcome. Extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) (short-term): We are very uncertain how ESWT affects patients' self-reported ability to have intercourse short-term (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.71 to 3.60; 1 study, 26 participants; very low CoE). ESWT may result in little to no difference in quality of life (MD 3.10, 95% CI 1.57 to 4.64; 2 studies, 130 participants; low CoE). We are very uncertain if ESWT has an effect on treatment-related adverse effects (RR 2.73, 95% CI 0.74 to 10.14; 3 studies, 166 participants; very low CoE). ESWT may result in little to no difference in the degree of penile curvature compared to placebo (RR -2.84, 95% -7.35 to 1.67; 3 studies, 166 participants; low CoE). We found no long-term data for any outcome. Penile traction therapy (short-term): We found no evidence for whether penile traction compared to no treatment affects patients' self-reported ability to have intercourse. We are very uncertain how traction therapy may affect quality of life (MD 1.50 lower, 95% CI -3.42 to 0.42; 1 study, 90 participants; very low CoE). We are also very uncertain how traction therapy may affect treatment-related adverse effects (RR not estimable; 1 study, 90 participants; very low CoE) and how it affects the degree of curvature (MD 7.40 degrees less, 95% CI -11.18 to -3.62; 1 study, 89 participants; very low CoE). We found no long-term data for any outcome.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is little evidence supporting the effectiveness of most non-surgical treatments for Peyronie's disease. Existing trials are mostly of poor methodological quality and/or fail to address patient-centered outcomes. Injectional collagenase appears to have some effectiveness; however, many individuals may not experience the improvement as clinically relevant, and this comes with the risk of increased adverse events. There is a critical need for better non-surgical treatment options for men with Peyronie's disease.

Global Perspective on the Management of Peyronie's Disease

Introduction

Peyronie's disease is the disease that results in an alteration in the curvature of the penis, which can lead to a shortening of length, pain in erection, or difficulties in penetration, thus leading the patient to psychological alterations due to loss of functionality such as aesthetic alteration. That is why there are several studies to define the best form of treatment, which currently continues to be the first choice surgical treatment.

Objective

We present the most recommended therapies for Peyronie's disease and suggest an algorithm as a guide to direct therapy.

Methods

We used the PubMed platform to review the literature related to Peyronie's disease. Various editorials were reviewed as well as original articles and reviews focusing on the various treatments as well as their indications and results.

Results

Peyronie's disease in which conservative or drug treatment does not have a response, surgical treatment with corporoplasty, penile prosthesis implantation or both may be indicated. Corporoplasty refers to both the plication of the tunica albuginea as well as the incision of the tunica with the placement of a graft. An accurate history should always be carried out to identify erectile dysfunction as well as to be able to guide you on the repercussions of the treatment. If refractory erectile dysfunction is present, placement of a penile prosthesis with or without further adjunctive straightening maneuvers is recommended. We reviewed the indications, advantages, disadvantages, and results of the available techniques, and proposed a surgical treatment algorithm.

Conclusion

Penile shortening procedures are usually indicated in curvatures <60°, in penises with adequate length. Partial excision/incision and grafting are indicated for curvatures >60°, hourglass or hinge deformities, and short penises, if the patient's erectile function is adequate. The presence of “borderline” erectile function and/or ventral curvature tilts the choice toward shortening procedures, and refractory erectile dysfunction is an indication for penile prosthesis placement. An accurate risk/benefit assessment of the individual patient as well as meticulous patient counseling are critically important.

The potential of platelet-rich plasma injections and stem cell therapy for penile rejuvenation

Penile concerns include erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie disease (PD). Restorative therapies including Stem Cell Therapy (SCT) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are proposed to treat these concerns. SCT encompasses the harvesting and injection of mesenchymal stem cells or stromal vascular fractions from various tissue sources. PRP is derived autologously from a patient's plasma and is then injected into the penile tissue. These therapies repair damaged penile tissue and promote both new cellular and vascular growth, as demonstrated in basic science studies. Human trials on SCT and PRP for both ED and PD and have yielded promising results with few side effects. While encouraging, small cohort size and lack of blinding or placebo control limit these studies' external validity. Recently, the first double-blinded randomized controlled trial on PRP for ED was published, providing significant evidence of efficacy. With the rapid commercial availability of SCT and PRP for ED and PD, it is imperative to perform more randomized and placebo-controlled trials with standardized procedures and preparations to evaluate efficacy and safety. This narrative review will summarize the available literature on these penile restorative therapies to date.

Pharmacotherapy in Peyronie's disease: a state-of-the-art review on established contemporary and emerging drugs

INTRODUCTION

Current clinical guidelines on Peyronie's disease (PD) advocate non-surgical treatment options as the first-line therapy despite inconsistent clinical outcomes when compared to definitive penile reconstructive surgery.

AREAS COVERED

This article examines the current understanding of established contemporary and emerging pharmacotherapies for PD. Emphasis has been placed on published clinical studies on drugs in the last 10 years.

EXPERT OPINION

Published studies have shown that combination therapy is likely more effective than monotherapy. Combined treatment modalities involving various oral and/or intralesional pharmacotherapies together with mechanical devices or clinical psychosexual therapy may provide additional or synergistic benefits for PD patients. A multidisciplinary approach coupled with more novel targets for pharmacological intervention could deliver a more effective treatment paradigm to prevent or at least delay the need for definitive penile reconstructive surgery. Drugs targeting the inhibition of TGF-β1 pathway and myofibroblast transformation are of great interest and studies into next-generation genetic sequencing and transcriptional biomarker regulatory pathways in PD will provide useful insights into the pathophysiology of PD, and assist the development of future regenerative technology including cellular-based therapies to target various anti-fibrotic molecular mechanisms and the potential to be integrated into existing treatment armamentarium for PD.

Multiple plaque incisions with or without grafting for Peyronie's disease

Objectives

To assess novel surgical techniques in management of Peyronie's disease.

Subjects

Forty-three men underwent corrective surgery using either partial plaque incision and nongraft (PPING) or multiple plaque incisions and graft (MPIG). The technique used was determined intra-operatively. Patients were assessed at baseline and follow-up based on Peyronie's disease questionnaire patient-reported outcome measure (PDQ-PROM) and erectile function.

Results

The two groups were well matched in age and erectile function. At baseline MPIG group had greater deformity and poorer patient-reported outcome. Penile curvature improved from 67.9° to 10.5° in the PPING group and 77.9° to 7.1° with MPIG. PDQ-PROM improved from 29 to 13 in those who underwent PPING and 38.5 to 17.6 in those undergoing MPIG. Erectile function was preserved in both groups.

Conclusions

These novel surgeries are effective in restoring penile shape and length while preserving erectile function. This is reflected in improved patient-reported outcomes. These findings should be verified by multi-institutional study.

Peyronie Disease as a Marker of Inflammation-Is There Hope on the Horizon?

Although the description of Peyronie disease, a connective tissue disorder involving the growth of fibrous plaques in the soft tissue of the penis, is attributed to François de la Peyronie, surgeon to Louis XV of France, there are reports previous to that time. Over the intervening 450 years, a variety of empiric treatments, varying in barbarity, have been proposed. The frequency of this condition and the etiology of the fibrosis are unknown. Quality of life for affected men and their partners is adversely impacted. In this review, the authors summarize the history of the discovery of this condition, review contemporary management approaches, and address the pathophysiology leading to the underlying disordered fibrosis. The potential immunomodulatory role of testosterone as well as inflammatory conditions and environmental stimuli that may provoke fibrosis are also considered. Peyronie disease may be part of a spectrum of fibrotic conditions, including Dupuytren contracture. Treatment strategies to date have focused on reversing fibrosis; work is needed to prevent fibrosis and to accurately document disease prevalence.

Molecular Mechanisms and Current Pharmacotherapy of Peyronie's Disease: A Review

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a localized fibrotic lesion of the penis that has adverse effects on men’s health. In this review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms and pharmacotherapies of PD. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane Library during 2001–2020. Although no oral or topical medication demonstrated efficacy in monotherapy of PD, several intralesional medications have yielded promising results. Currently, the effective strategy in management of PD should be combined modality therapy, including but not limited to pharmacotherapy, mechanical therapy, and psychotherapy. Meanwhile, basic research is still necessary to facilitate the development of novel and more reliable treatments. In future, more attention should be given simultaneously to epigenetic changes, inflammatory cytokines, the abnormal wound-healing process, and profibrotic and anti-fibrotic factors to provide more options for this refractory disease.

[French Urological Association (AFU) guidelines for Peyronie's disease assessment and treatment]

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease is a common cause for consultation in urology. Many controversies surround its treatment. No French Guidelines have been published so far. The Committee of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the French Association of Urology therefore offers a series of evidence-based recommendations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

These recommendations are made according to the ADAPTE method, based on European (EAU, ESSM), American (AUA, ISSM) and Canadian (CAU) recommendations, integrating French specificities due to the availability of treatments, and an update of the recent bibliography.

RESULTS

The assessment of the disease is clinical. Patients with functional impairment or significant psychological repercussions may be offered treatment. The benefits and drawbacks of each treatment should be explained to the patient. Regarding non-surgical treatments, no available treatment has market authorization in France. Vitamin E is not recommended. Analgesic (oral or low-intensity shock waves) or proerectile treatments may be offered as needed, as well as traction therapy. Due to the unavailability of collagenase injections, verapamil injections may be offered. Surgical treatments are to be considered in the stabilized phase of the disease, and consist of performing a plication, an incision-graft or the placement of a penile implant according to the patient's wishes, the curvature and the penis size, as well as erectile function. Combination treatments can be offered.

CONCLUSION

The management of Peyronie's disease is complex, and the levels of evidence for treatments are generally low. The success of treatment will depend on the quality of the initial assessment, the patient's information and understanding of the expected effects, and the practitioner's experience.

Peyronie's disease: pharmacological treatments and limitations

Introduction: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a disorder of the tunica albuginea from disordered and excessive deposition of collagen resulting in a palpable scar, pain, erect penile deformity and erectile dysfunction that significantly impacts patients both physically and emotionally.Areas Covered: Several treatment options have been described for PD, including shockwave therapy, traction therapy, both oral and intralesional pharmacological options, and surgery. This review seeks to examine the data for different types of non-surgical treatments for PD. We review how various treatment modalities impact several relevant clinical endpoints for Peyronie's disease, including effects on pain, penile curvature, plaque formation, and erectile function. We performed a literature search using PubMed and SCOPUS while referencing AUA, EAU, and CUA guidelines for management of Peyronie's Disease for studies published 1980-2020.Expert opinion: Intralesional collagenase injections have the strongest evidence and are the only FDA approved intralesional treatment for PD. Penile traction therapy (PTT) is low risk and may be beneficial in patients willing to invest significant time using the devices. Furthermore, oral combination therapy with other modalities may provide some benefit. Further investigation is required to better understand pathophysiology of PD and clarify the therapeutic utility of existing treatments, potentially with a multimodal strategy.

Conservative Therapy for Peyronie's Disease: a Contemporary Review of the Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To analyze the literature on current conservative treatment options for Peyronie's disease (PD).

RECENT FINDINGS

Conservative therapy with intralesional collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is safe and efficacious in either the acute or chronic phases of PD. Combination treatment with penile traction therapy (PTT) can produce even better results. While most PTT devices require extended periods of therapy up to 8 h per day, the RestoreX® device can be effective at 30-90 min per day. A variety of conservative therapies are available for treatment of PD. The available literature does not reveal any treatment benefit of oral therapies. Intralesional therapy is the mainstay conservative treatment of PD. Intralesional CCH therapy is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved intralesional therapy and represents the authors' preference for medical therapy. The most effective conservative management of PD likely requires a combination of therapies.

Medical, non-invasive, and minimally invasive treatment for Peyronie's disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) remains a dilemma as the true pathogenesis of PD remains an enigma. Consequently, new molecules and therapies continue to evolve. The safety and efficacy of conservative treatment for PD have not yet established.

OBJECTIVES

To provide the available information of the status of conservative therapy for PD.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for English-language journal articles between January 2000 and July 2019, using the terms "Conservative treatment for PD", "medical treatment for PD", "non-invasive therapies for PD" and "minimally invasive therapies for PD". This systematic review was conducted in agreement with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) system. We also manually reviewed references from selected articles. The risk of bias in the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment tool (RoB 2).

RESULTS

Conservative treatment is accepted as the initial treatment step in most of the cases. This kind of therapy includes various methods of treatment such as medical, non-invasive, and minimally invasive therapies. Ideal management of PD is not yet available. It is not possible to assess the value of treatment without well-designed, randomized, placebo-controlled, large-scale clinical studies.

CONCLUSION

Optimistically, in the near future, we may witness emergence of efficacious new agents and modalities to revolutionize medical, non-invasive, and minimally invasive treatment of this devastating condition.

Recent advances in managing Peyronie's disease

Treating men with Peyronie's disease remains a challenging problem facing clinicians working across urology and sexual medicine fields. Patients can often be left disappointed by current treatment paradigms, and an overall lack of suitable molecular targets has limited the options for novel, effective medical therapy. Managing men with Peyronie's disease often involves careful counselling alongside multifaceted and possible combination treatments to help improve symptoms whilst ameliorating potential side effects of therapy. We review the latest medical literature and evidence in the contemporary management of Peyronie's disease.

Minimally invasive therapies for Peyronie's disease: the current state of the art

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a relatively common condition that can result in significant penile deformity, sexual dysfunction, and psychological bother. Surgical straightening offers the highest probability of success during the stable phase of the disease. However, for men in the acute phase of PD or for those with less severe deformity who elect to avoid surgery, a variety of non-surgical treatment options are available. Oral therapies, including L-citrulline and pentoxifylline, are most useful as part of a combination regimen rather than as monotherapy. Intralesional therapy with IFN-α2b, verapamil, and collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) can cause significant reduction in penile curvature, yet these results may not be clinically significant for men with more severe curvature. Further investigation into the timing of administration and optimal patient characteristics is required. Penile traction therapy offers a clinically significant improvement in penile length and curvature. However, this has traditionally required hours of daily therapy. Overall, a combination of oral, topical, injection and traction therapies may provide the most significant benefit among the non-surgical modalities for PD.

Noninvasive Treatment Options for Peyronie's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Evidence for noninvasive management of Peyronie's disease contains many options with varying levels of evidence for each. Many first-line treatments recommended by urologists lack strong evidence for their use.

AIM

We summarize the noninvasive (oral medications, topical medications, traction, vacuum erection devices, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, intracavernosal injections and electromotive therapy) treatment options for Peyronie's disease and provide the levels of evidence for each.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalKey databases was conducted, current up to April 2019.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

For each treatment modality, we measured level of evidence, change in penile curvature, change in erectile function, the percentage of patients with improved angulation, and pain scores.

RESULTS

There is weak evidence to support the use of oral or topical medications. Higher levels of evidence exist for intracavernosal injections and extracorporeal shock wave therapy and may be helpful in certain patient populations.

CONCLUSION

The mechanisms behind Peyronie's disease are not fully understood. Penile injections provide the highest quality of evidence for noninvasive treatment. Ory J, MacDonald L, Langille G. Noninvasive Treatment Options for Peyronie's Disease. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:603-614.

Medical Management of Peyronie's Disease: Review of the Clinical Evidence

Peyronie’s disease is a condition that causes abnormal healing of the tunica albuginea, causing penile curvature. It is difficult to treat and its management is continuing to evolve. Proposed non-surgical treatments have included oral, topical, intralesional, extracorporeal shockwave, and traction therapy. The study of Peyronie’s disease is made difficult by heterogeneity in the timing of presentation, severity and characteristics of deformity, and associated complaints. Moreover, meta-analyses of studies are difficult due to inconsistencies across study endpoints and the duration of treatments. This article reviews the current clinical evidence and guideline recommendations, with a focus on an improvement in penile curvature.

Isolation and Identification of Secondary Metabolites FromStreptomycessp. SP301

Seven compounds, namely aminobenzoates A to D (1-4), naphthalenecarboxylates A and B (5-6), and glycosylatelactone A (7), were isolated from the fermentation medium of Streptomyces sp. SP301. Of these, aminobenzoates C and D (3-4), naphthalenecarboxylate B (6), and glycosylatelactone A (7) are new compounds. Aminobenzoates A to D (1-4) shared a common aromatic starter unit, para-aminobenzoic acid , and biosynthesis involving a different pathway. The structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D- and 2D-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and HR-ESIMS analysis.

Beyond Curvature: Prevalence and Characteristics of Penile Volume-Loss Deformities in Men With Peyronie's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Non-curvature penile deformities associated with loss of erect penile volume are often overlooked and have not been thoroughly investigated.

AIM

To describe the prevalence and functional impact of penile volume-loss deformities in our cohort of men with Peyronie's disease (PD).

METHODS

We retrospectively examined medical records of patients with PD consecutively evaluated by a specialized urologist from December 2012 to June 2016. We excluded patients with prior surgical correction of PD, prior penile prosthesis, and inadequate erection during office examination. All patients underwent deformity assessment of the erect penis after intracavernosal injection. The assessment included measurement of penile curvature; evaluation for hourglass deformities, indentations, and distal tapering; and application of axial force to assess for penile buckling. Prior to the deformity assessment, each patient completed the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire and was asked if he experienced psychological distress and functional impairment related to his penile deformity.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The primary clinical parameters that we evaluated were presence or absence of axial instability, functional impairment, psychological distress, penile pain, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, sexual dissatisfaction, decreased sexual activity, and decreased sexual desire.

RESULTS

128 patients met criteria for inclusion. 83 patients (65%) had volume-loss deformities. Unilateral indentations, hourglass deformities, and distal tapering were present in 50 (39%), 30 (23%), and 16 (13%) patients, respectively. Penile curvature <10° degrees was present in 115 patients (90%). After controlling for angle of curvature, patients with volume-loss deformities had significantly higher rates of axial instability (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5, P = .01) and psychological distress (OR = 2.6, P = .03), as well as decreased sexual activity (OR = 2.7, P = .02), than patients with non-volume-loss deformities.

CONCLUSION

Volume-loss penile deformities are highly prevalent in men with PD. These deformities are associated with penile axial instability and psychological distress, which may contribute to decreased frequency of sexual activity. Margolin EJ, Pagano MJ, Aisen CM, et al. Beyond curvature: prevalence and characteristics of penile volume-loss deformities in men with Peyronie's disease. Sex Med 2018;6:309-315.

PRP and Correction of Penile Curvature (Peyronie’s Disease)

Many men with Peyronie’s disease are embarrassed and choose to suffer in silence rather than get help. Peyronie’s disease can be a physically and psychologically devastating. This case report presents a successful correction of penile curvature using platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment in an office setting.

Evidence-Based Management Guidelines on Peyronie's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Despite recent advances in our knowledge and treatment strategies in Peyronie's Disease (PD), much remained unknown about this disease.

AIM

To provide a clinical framework and key guideline statements to assist clinicians in an evidence-based management of PD.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify published literature relevant to PD. The search included all relevant articles published up to June 2015, including preclinical studies and published guidelines. References used in the text were assessed according to their level of evidence, and guideline recommendations were graded based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. Owing to the paucity of larger series and randomized placebo-controlled trials with regard to surgical intervention, guideline statements are provided as clinical principle or expert opinion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

This literature was discussed at a panel meeting, and selected articles with the highest evidence available were used to create consensus guideline statements for the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine guidelines on PD.

RESULTS

In addition to existing Third International Consultation on Sexual Medicine guidelines on PD, seven new summary recommendations were created.

CONCLUSION

A greater understanding of the scientific basis of PD is greatly needed to address our understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical epidemiology, psychosocial, and diagnostic assessment as well as treatment strategies.

Understanding the cellular basis and pathophysiology of Peyronie's disease to optimize treatment for erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that significantly impacts a man’s physical and psychological well-being. ED is often associated with Peyronie’s disease (PD), which is an abnormal curvature of the penis. Delayed treatment of or surgical invention for PD often results in ED and therefore unsatisfied patients. The pathophysiology of PD is incompletely understood, but has been studied extensively and based on our current understanding of PD physiology, many medical treatment options have been proposed. In this paper, we will review what is known about the pathophysiology of PD and the medical treatment options that have been trialed as a result. More investigations in regards to the basic science of PD need to be carried out in order to elucidate the exact mechanisms of the fibrosis, and propose new, more successful treatment options which should be implemented prior to the onset of ED.

Oral therapy for Peyronie's disease, does it work?

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a localized, wound-healing, connective tissue disorder of the penis characterized by scarring of the tunica albuginea. This fibrous inelastic scar leads to penile pain, penile deformity and erectile dysfunction (ED), and a difficulty performing coitus. Over the past several decades, a myriad of oral agents for the treatment of PD have been studied and suggested. While the gold standard of care remains surgical therapy, many physicians continue to prescribe oral and intralesional injections for treatment during the acute phase of the disease. This article seeks to summarize the different oral therapy agents for PD and the research associated with each medication. While the American Urological Association has not recommended most of the mentioned medications for the treatment of PD, two newer therapies have shown success and have the potential of becoming baseline treatments for the acute phase of PD.

The Efficacy of Medical Treatment of Peyronie's Disease: Potassium Para-Aminobenzoate Monotherapy vs. Combination Therapy with Tamoxifen, L-Carnitine, and Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of medical treatment of Peyronie's disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 109 patients with Peyronie's disease who had been treated from January 2011 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed in this study. Forty-four patients (Group 1) were treated with 12 mg of potassium para-aminobenzoate daily. Sixty-five patients (Group 2) were treated with combination therapy: tamoxifen (20 mg) and acetyl-L-carnitine (300 mg) twice daily in addition to a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. Ability to perform sexual intercourse, pain during erection, size of plaque, and penile curvature angle were assessed.

RESULTS

In Group 1, 30 of 44 patients (68.2%) discontinued treatment within 12 weeks, while 5 patients (7.7%) in Group 2 discontinued treatment. Pain during erection and plaque size were improved in both groups but showed no statistical difference due to the high dropout rate in Group 1. In both groups, penile curvature was improved, but demonstrated no statistical difference between the treatment groups. However, combination therapy demonstrated a better response rate in patients whose penile curvature angle was less than 30° (44.4% vs. 79.1%, p=0.048). The rate of successful sexual intercourse was significantly higher in Group 2 (42.8% vs. 78.3%, p=0.034). The number of patients who underwent surgical correction despite medical treatment was significantly higher in Group 1 (35.7% vs. 13.3%, p=0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Early medical combination therapy in Peyronie's disease may present better results in patients whose curvature angle is less than 30°.

A review of the epidemiology and treatment of Peyronie's disease

Introduction

Peyronie’s disease (PD) has significant effect on patients and their partners. We provide a current review of the epidemiology as well as the nonsurgical and surgical treatment of PD.

Materials and methods

Review of literature pertaining to PD with focus on epidemiology and treatment options.

Conclusion

PD is common and likely underreported. The availability of new and highly effective treatment options will catalyze patient awareness and subsequently the prevalence of disease.

Urinary NMR-based metabolomic analysis of rats possessing variable sperm count following orally administered Eurycoma longifolia extracts of different quassinoid levels

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali, TA) roots have been ethnically used as a remedy to boost male sexual desire, libido, energy and fertility.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study evaluated the effect of TA extracts with different quassinoid levels on rats sperm count and examined corresponding post-treatment urinary metabolic changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats, categorized into 4 groups of 6 rats each, were orally administered for 48 days with water for the control (group 1), 125mg/kg of TA water extract (TAW, group 2), 125mg/kg of TA quassinoid-poor extract (TAQP, group 3) and 21mg/kg of TA quassinoid-rich extract (TAQR, group 4). Upon completion of the 48-day treatment, the urine samples were analyzed by NMR and the animals were subsequently sacrificed for sperm count analysis. The urine profiles were categorized according to sperm count level.

RESULTS

The results showed that the sperm count in TAW- and TAQR-treated groups was significantly higher compared to the TAQP-administered and control groups. The orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model indicated a clear separation among the urine profiles with respect to sperm count level. Urine (1)H-NMR profiles of the high-sperm count group contained higher concentrations of trigonelline, alanine, benzoic acid and higher intensity of a signal at 3.42ppm, while ethanol was at higher concentration in the normal-sperm count group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results proved the efficacy of quassinoids on sperm count increase in rats and provided quantitative markers in urine suitable for analysis of sperm profile and male fertility status.

Penile curvature: an update for management from 20 years experience in a high volume centre

Our aim was to review the literature and discuss about penile curvature in order to have an update for management after 20 years experience in the field.Penile curvature may be congenital or acquired. Congenital penile curvature is a relatively uncommon condition that may present in late adolescent or early adult life. The incidence is estimated to be 0.6 %. On the other side, acquired penile curvature has an overall prevalence of 0.5-13%. Three main factors seem to increase the risk of developing an acquired penile curvature, often related to Peyronie's disease: penile traumatism, genetic and familiar conditions and a history of diseases of the genital tract. In treating Peyronie's disease, no medical therapy is fully effective, and surgery remains the gold standard in cases of severe deformity and/or erectile disfunction. Peyronie's disease is associated with significant psychological stress for patients and their partners. Appropriate treatment should be individualized and tailored to the patient's goals and expectations. There is not the 'best' surgical technique and outcomes are satisfactory when proper treatment decisions are made.

Peyronie's disease: What's around the bend?

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic diathesis of the tunica albuginea that results in penile plaque formation and penile deformity, negatively affecting sexual and psychosocial function of both patients and their partners. In this review, we discuss the PD literature and PD treatment options, with special emphasis on potential future therapies.

METHODS

The PD literature was reviewed, and articles of interest were identified using keyword search in PubMed. Articles evaluating investigational and novel PD treatments were emphasized.

RESULTS

Existing PD treatment modalities are diverse and include oral, topical, intralesional, mechanical, and surgical therapies. Surgical treatment has high success rates and is indicated in men with significant, stable deformity. The United States Food and Drug Administration-approved intralesional collagenase Clostridium histolyticum injection therapy is a minimally invasive option with demonstrated efficacy in PD. Other nonsurgical therapies have been reported, including Botox and stem cell therapy, but these currently have little or equivocal evidence to support their efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is essential to develop novel, safe, and effective minimally invasive PD treatment options. This work is ongoing, with the promise of specific, targeted, and highly effective therapies on the horizon.

Cellulose-based spreadable new thixo gels: synthesis and their characterization

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based new thixotropic gels were synthesized by a facile microwave-induced reaction of aminobenzoic acids (ABAs) e.g. para- and meta-aminobenzoic acids.

Role of collagenase clostridium histolyticum in Peyronie's disease

Peyronie's disease is a localized connective tissue disease characterized by an active, inflammatory phase and a stable, quiescent phase, with the eventual development of collagenous plaques within the tunica albuginea of the penis. Risk factors primarily associated with Peyronie's disease include Dupuytren's contracture, penile trauma, and family history. A variety of treatment strategies have been utilized, including oral and topical agents, electromotive drug administration, intralesional injections, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, penile traction, and surgery. However, most of these strategies are ineffective, with surgery being the only definitive treatment. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum is a newly US Food and Drug Administration-approved agent for intralesional injection. It is thought to downregulate many of the disease-related genes, cytokines, and growth factors and degrade collagen fibers. It also suppresses cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum has been clinically proven to be a safe and effective therapeutic option, demonstrating decreases in penile curvature and plaque consistency, as well as increases in patient satisfaction. During clinical evaluation, the Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire was validated as an effective tool for assessing treatment outcomes.

Therapeutic advances in the treatment of Peyronie's disease

Peyronie's disease (PD) is an under-diagnosed condition with prevalence in the male population as high as 9%. It is a localized connective tissue disorder of the penis characterized by scarring of the tunica albuginea. Its pathophysiology, however, remains incompletely elucidated. For the management of the acute phase of PD, there are currently numerous available oral drugs, but the scientific evidence for their use is weak. In terms of intralesional injections, collagenase clostridium histolyticum is currently the only Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for the management of patients with PD and a palpable plaque with dorsal or dorsolateral curvature >30°. Other available intralesional injectable drugs include verapamil and interferon-alpha-2B, however, their use is considered off-label. Iontophoresis, shockwave therapy, and radiation therapy have also been described with unconvincing results, and as such, their use is currently not recommended. Traction therapy, as part of a multimodal approach, is an underused additional tool for the prevention of PD-associated loss of penile length, but its efficacy is dependent on patient compliance. Surgical therapy remains the gold standard for patients in the chronic phase of the disease. In patients with adequate erectile function, tunical plication and/or incision/partial excision and grafting can be offered, depending on degree of curvature and/or presence of destabilizing deformity. In patients with erectile dysfunction non-responsive to oral therapy, insertion of an inflatable penile prosthesis with or without straightening procedures should be offered.

Pharmacologic therapy for Peyronie's disease: what should we prescribe?

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a wound healing disorder of the penis with a myriad of proposed treatment options reported in the literature. Evaluating the available data and therapeutic management of PD can be challenging and confusing, even for the most experienced treating physician. This review provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacologic treatment options for PD, focusing on the best available evidence.

AREAS COVERED

A comprehensive literature search for published articles evaluating oral, topical, and injectable pharmacologic agents for PD was completed. Prospective, controlled trials were given precedence for inclusion.

EXPERT OPINION

Although a multitude of oral agents have been proposed and evaluated in PD patients, results vary widely and a reproducible objective benefit has not yet been strongly established for any single oral agent. Well-designed, large-scale, randomized controlled trials evaluating oral agents in PD patients are lacking. Consistent objective benefit from injectable agents has been supported for years by various non-controlled trials. Recently, injectable collagenase Clostridium histolyticum became the first pharmacologic agent to obtain FDA approval for use in PD patients, supported by data from a large-scale, Phase III randomized controlled trial. Further elucidation of the genetic and mechanistic pathways involved in the development and progression of PD will help define future therapeutic targets.

All about Peyronie's disease

Peyronie's disease (PD) is an acquired connective tissue disorder of the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum, characterized by excessive fibrosis and plaque formation. PD can result in significant physical and psychological morbidity; as it may prevent intercourse and cause adverse impacts on partner relationships. The exact etiology and pathophysiology remain unclear, and many misconceptions about the disease associations, course and treatment exist.

The disease has two distinct stages. The acute stage is characterized by pain, and disease may progress during this stage. Non-surgical managements at this stage aim to alleviate pain and stabilize the disease. Results for non-surgical treatment are often conflicting. The chronic stage occurs 6–12 months later, where pain disappears and the deformity stabilizes. Surgical treatment is reserved for significant deformity or with inability to penetrative intercourse. The choice of the surgical technique depends on the length of the penis, degree of deformity, erectile function, patients' expectations and surgeon's preference.

PEYRONIE'S DISEASE: A REVIEW OF ETIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, AND MANAGEMENT

Peyronie's Disease (PD) is a superficial fibrosing disorder of the penis resulting in plaque formation and penile deformity. Once considered rare, PD has more recently been found in up to 13% of men, and can negatively affect sexual and psychosocial function of both patients and their partners. While the etiology of PD is unclear, it is thought to result from an inciting traumatic event followed by aberrant fibrosis or dysregulated wound healing. The evaluation of men presenting with PD includes a detailed history and physical exam, focusing on the penis in both the flaccid and erect states. PD is often associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as several other comorbidities. Laboratory testing is not needed to diagnose PD, although given the associations between PD and systemic diseases including hypogonadism, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, screening and work-up for these conditions in men with PD may be warranted. Treatment modalities for PD are diverse and include oral, topical, intralesional, mechanical, and surgical therapies. Oral, topical, and mechanical therapies generally have little evidence supporting their efficacy. Several intralesional therapies, including interferon α2b and collagenase Clostridium hystiolyticum have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of PD. Surgical treatment, indicated in men with significant, stable deformity, includes plication of the tunica albuginea, plaque incision/excision and grafting, and placement of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) with or without additional maneuvers to achieve desired results, and has high success rates.

The Impact of Peyronie's Disease on the Patient: Gaps in Our Current Understanding

Peyronie's disease results in a fibrous inelastic scar or hard plaque of the tunica albuginea of the penis that causes penile curvature deformity during erection that can be painful, distressing, and an impediment to sexual intercourse. In this article, the authors examine the knowledge gaps and research needs regarding the effect of Peyronie's disease on the patient's physical and psychological quality of life and on interpersonal relationships. On PubMed, the authors used the search terms Peyronie's disease, psychological, psychotherapy, male sexual dysfunction, partner, comorbid disease, satisfaction, and pain. Four categories describing the effect of Peyronie's disease were identified: (a) sexual dysfunction due to pain and altered penile shape, (b) psychological effects, (c) partner and relationship effects, and (d) effects of treatment options for Peyronie's disease. Results indicate that the examination of interventions aimed at education, coping, relationship distress, and sex therapy that may significantly improve patient quality of life is a core unmet need in Peyronie's disease. For many patients, the effect of Peyronie's disease is functional and psychological. Both aspects should be evaluated and treated in patients, which may require a referral. The physical pain, emotional distress and isolation, and partner and relationship discord that may be present require more attention.