An analysis of the natural history of Peyronie's disease

Insurance approval rates for collagenase clostridium histolyticum prior to discontinuation: a Canada-wide analysis

Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh), the first approved non-surgical treatment for Peyronie's disease (PD), was withdrawn from the European, Canadian, and Asian markets due to poor demand and lack of government reimbursement options. We sought to assess insurance approval rates and usage of CCh across Canada to understand the factors that led to its withdrawal. Data on patients prescribed CCh for PD or Dupuytren's contracture was obtained through collaboration with BioScript Solutions to assess the association of variables with insurance approval and prescription filling. We identified 3297 insurance coverage applications for Xiaflex® from April 2018 to June 2020. Of all applications for PD, 92.9% applications were approved while 7.1% were rejected. Despite the withdrawal of CCh from Canadian markets, coverage application approval rates for 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 86.5%, 90.1%, and 89.1%, respectively. Of 2921 approved applications, 88.8% prescriptions were filled. For the 376 rejected applications, 66.4% of prescriptions were filled. Overall, 90% of the cost of Xiaflex® was covered in Canada among those with extended health benefits, with an out-of-pocket expense of $210.4. Insurance coverage requests for Xiaflex® were approved at a high rate in Canada with approved patients being very likely to proceed with therapy, despite interprovincial variation.

MR imaging of penile pathology and prostheses

Penile MRI is a vital yet underutilized diagnostic tool that provides detailed information crucial for managing various penile pathologies. Due to its infrequent use, many radiology trainees lack confidence in interpreting these exams. This article reviews the anatomy, key technical considerations, and interpretive pearls for penile trauma, Peyronie's disease, priapism, penile neoplasms, prosthesis evaluation, and a few miscellaneous conditions. Through illustrative case examples, this review aims to enhance the understanding and proficiency of radiologists in performing and interpreting penile MRI in these clinical scenarios.

Penile prosthesis implantation is safe and effective in Peyronie's disease patients with and without erectile dysfunction

Penile prosthesis (PP) is the mainstay of treatment in Peyronie's disease (PD) with co-existent refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent PP as the first-line surgical treatment in PD without ED. A total of 636 patients underwent PP for PD from 2012 to 2022, but only 168 patients who underwent PP as first-line surgical management for PD with or without ED were included in the study. The mean (SD) age of 168 patients was 56.3 years (12.4). The mean curvature of the "PD with ED" group and the "PD without ED" group were 38.2 (5.6) degrees and 42.2 (5.9) degrees. The median (IQR) follow-up was 56.0 months (34.5- 61.4). Most (86.9%) patients underwent 3-piece inflatable PP. An important finding is that 33 patients (19.6%) without ED had undergone PP. Mechanical failure requiring revision surgery was less common in the 'without ED' group than in the ED group (6.8% vs. 10.2%, p 0.04). Most PD patients without ED (87.9%, 29/33) and with ED (88.9%, 120/135) were "satisfied" after PP implantation at six months, as defined by a score of ≥4 on a 5-point Likert scale. If surgery is offered in PD, PP may be considered a safe and effective first-line surgical treatment regardless of the ED, given the acceptable complications and high satisfaction rates. However, this new concept warrants further research.

A new alternative approach to management of acute phase Peyronie's disease: low intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy and platelet-rich plasma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of the combination of low ıntensity external shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in acute phase Peyronie's disease (PD).

METHODS

The datas of patients admitted with acute phase Peyronie's between January 2014 and January 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. In total, we included total 159 patients who used combination of vitamin E 600 mg/day plus colchicine 1.5 mg/day plus oral daily 5 mg tadalafil (N.=77) in group 1 and received Li-ESWT+PRP combination therapy plus oral daily 5 mg tadalafil (N.=82) in group 2. We noted characteristics of fibrous plaques, pain status, penile curvature degree, and erectile function parameters. All patients were visited at the 3rd and 12th months after the treatment.

RESULTS

Preoperative demographic characteristics were similar in the two groups. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean plaque size, penile curvature degree, IIEF-5 and VAS scores in the intervention group after the treatment. Ecchymosis and hematoma were not observed at the injection site and Li-ESWT application areas in the intervention group. No local or systemic drug reactions were noted in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination of Li-ESWT and PRP are highly effective and safety to early treatment in the acute phase PD.

Clinical Presentation of Peyronie's Disease: A Retrospective Study of 564 Cases

Peyronie's disease (PD) affects the penile albuginea, resulting in penile deformity, pain, erectile dysfunction (ED), and an anxious-depressive state. PD diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, penile palpation, documentation of the penile deformation, a dynamic penile echo color Doppler ultrasound (PCDU), and the completion of questionnaires for the evaluation of pain, ED, and psychometric tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the symptoms of PD and their prevalence in PD patients in the active phase who had access to our andrology clinic. Inclusion criteria: availability of data on patients diagnosed with PD, including detailed medical history, blood tests, penile palpation, photographic documentation of penile deformity, and penile PCDU. Exclusion criteria: PD patients in the stable phase or those without the specified tests and data mentioned above. Our study found a higher prevalence of PD in younger patients (24.2%), a higher coexistence of PD with chronic prostatitis (35.6%), a higher percentage of cases of association between penile deformity and penile curvature (84.4%), a higher prevalence of "significant anxiety" (88.4%), a higher presence of plaque calcification (35.6%), and the detection of a longer duration of the first phase of PD (>18 months). The most frequently observed type of penile curvature was dorsal, followed by left lateral, right lateral, and, less commonly, ventral. We observed a significant statistical correlation between patient age and IIEF score, indicating that patients over the age of 40 years are at a higher risk of experiencing ED. We found a strong statistical relationship between VAS score and age. As age increases, the VAS score decreases, suggesting that younger patients reported more penile pain compared to those who were older than 40 years. Furthermore, we found that penile pain has a significant impact on the psychological state of PD patients. We also found that 38.8% of PD patients suffered from severe anxiety. In relation to this, psychotherapy should be integrated into PD treatment to improve the quality of life and treatment adherence.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy in erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease: a systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a regenerative therapy has gained interest in the field of andrology for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie's disease (PD). This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence on the use of PRP for these conditions.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search according to the PRISMA guidelines using PubMed and Scopus databases in December 2023. Studies were included if they evaluated the effect of PRP therapy for ED or PD in humans.

RESULTS

We identified 164 articles, 17 of which were included, consisting of 11 studies on ED, 5 studies on PD, and 1 study on both. We included four randomized controlled trials, 11 prospective cohort studies, and three retrospective cohort studies including a total of 1099 patients. The studies on ED and PD generally showed small to moderate benefits with mild and transient side effects and no major adverse events were reported. General limitations included variations in PRP protocols, small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and lack of control groups except in the three randomized trials on ED and the one on PD.

CONCLUSION

The literature on PRP therapy in andrology is limited and difficult to interpret due to variations in protocols and methodological drawbacks. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal preparation and treatment protocols for PRP therapy and clarify its effectiveness in andrology.

TGF-β1 induces formation of TSG-6-enriched extracellular vesicles in fibroblasts which can prevent myofibroblast transformation by modulating Erk1/2 phosphorylation

Extracellular vesicles have emerged as important mediators of cell-to-cell communication in the pathophysiology of fibrotic diseases. One such disease is Peyronie's disease (PD), a fibrotic disorder of the penis caused by uncontrolled transformation of resident fibroblasts to alpha-smooth muscle actin positive myofibroblasts. These cells produce large amounts of extracellular matrix, leading to formation of a plaque in the penile tunica albuginea (TA), causing pain, penile curvature, and erectile dysfunction. We have used primary fibroblasts derived from the TA of PD patients to explore the role of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), a key signalling factor in this process. TGF-β1 treatment elicited a range of responses from the myofibroblasts: (i) they secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) that were more numerous and differed in size and shape from those secreted by fibroblasts, (ii) these EVs prevented TGF-β1-induced transformation of fibroblasts in a manner that was dependent on vesicle uptake and (iii) they prevented phosphorylation of Erk1/2, a critical component in modulating fibrogenic phenotypic responses, but did not affect TGF-β1-induced Smad-signalling. We posit that this effect could be linked to enrichment of TSG-6 in myofibroblast-derived EVs. The ability of myofibroblast-derived vesicles to prevent further myofibroblast transformation may establish them as part of an anti-fibrotic negative feedback loop, with potential to be exploited for future therapeutic approaches.

Daily low-dose tadalafil may reduce the penile curvature progression rate in patients with acute Peyronie's disease: a retrospective comparative analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients in acute phase of Peyronie's disease (PD) treated with daily low-dose of Tadalafil. An observational retrospective study involving patients in acute phase of PD with erectile dysfunction (ED) was designed. All subjects were offered Tadalafil 5 mg one tablet a day. Men who accepted treatment were compared to patients who refused Tadalafil. Penile curvature progression was chosen as the primary outcome. PD Questionnaire (PDQ) and IIEF-5 scores were selected as secondary outcomes. A total of 191 patients were included in the study (108 intervention vs. 83 control). Penile curvature progression rate was significantly lower in subjects taking Tadalafil at 12 weeks (25.9% vs. 39.7%, p = 0.042). Mean IIEF-5 score improved in the intervention group, becoming significantly higher compared to the observation group at 12 weeks (19.3 vs. 11.2 points, p < 0.001). Mean PDQ-Overall and PDQ-Penile Pain scores only improved in the intervention group and the statistically significant differences at baseline between groups became not statistically significant at 12 weeks (p = 0.001 vs. p = 0.232 and p < 0.001 vs. p = 0.078, respectively). Daily low-dose Tadalafil in patients with acute phase of PD seems to significantly reduce the penile curvature progression rate compared to observation, especially when it is administrated early. It also appears to improve erectile function and PD-related symptoms.

A contemporary assessment of the evaluation and management of patients presenting to a tertiary medical center with Peyronie's disease

Peyronie's disease continues to be poorly understood. We characterize the presenting features of Peyronie's disease within a large cohort and elucidate the factors that correlate with surgical intervention. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on 1483 consecutive patients to assess pre-operative predictors of surgical intervention for Peyronie's disease. Overall, 1263 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 55.4 ± 11.1 years with a mean duration of disease at presentation of 33.2 ± 42.5 months. Mean primary curvature was 49.8 ± 20.8°. Primary ventral curvature was present in 11.4% and 36.5% of patient had a multiplanar curvature. During penile duplex ultrasound evaluation indentation/narrowing deformities were appreciated in 76.0%, hourglass deformity in 10.1%, and hinge effect in 33.0% of patients. Calcification was seen in 30.1% of patients. Operative intervention occurred in 35.3% of patients. Degree of primary curvature (1.03 OR, p < 0.001), hourglass deformity (1.82 OR, p = 0.01), decreased tunical elasticity (1.20 OR, p = 0.03), and prior intralesional collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections (2.94 OR, p < 0.001) predicted surgical correction on multivariate analysis. Compared to historical studies, we found a higher incidence of severe degree of curvature (27.5% >60°), indentation deformities, hinge-effect, multiplanar curvature and penile calcifications. Ultimately, predictors of surgical intervention included those with worse erectile function and more severe characteristics.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors do not prevent curvature progression but shorten pain duration in the active phase of Peyronie's Disease: A retrospective cohort study

Treatment with Phosphodiesterase Type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) has shown promise in managing Peyronie's disease (PD) during its active phase. In a retrospective cohort study of 133 PD patients, we compared daily PDE5i treatment (sildenafil 25 mg or tadalafil 5 mg) in Group 1 (n = 101) to no treatment in Group 2 (n = 32). The mean age ± SD was 58.5 ± 10, (range: 29-77) years in Group 1 and 59 ± 13.7 years (range: 23-80) in Group 2 (p = 0.5). Mean symptom onset-to-visit time was 10.6 ± 7.2 months (range: 1-37) in Group 1 and 11 ± 6.3 months (range 3-27) in Group 2 (p = 0.5). Mean penile curvature change was +0.87° (95% CI: -1.8, 3.5) in Group 1 and +5.72° (95% CI: 1.4, 10) in Group 2 (p = 0.07) between first and last observations. Group 1 experienced shorter mean pain duration (9.1 ± 4.7 months, range: 2.5-24) than Group 2 (12.2 ± 6.5 months, range: 5-28) (p = 0.04). When controlling for baseline curvature and symptom onset-to-visit time, there were no differences between groups (-4.7, 95% CI: -10, 0.6) (p = 0.08). In conclusion, continuous PDE5i treatment did not affect PD curvature progression but showed a promising effect on pain.

The 100 most-cited publications on Peyronie's disease: a bibliometric analysis and visualization study

This study aimed to summarize the characteristics of the top 100 most-cited publications on Peyronie's disease (PD) research and to analyse past and current research hotspots and trends. The SCI-E database of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) provided us with the top 100 most-cited publications in PD research, from which we took the following information: general trend of publication, year of publication, nation/region, institution, journal, author, and keywords. VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) and Excel (version 2016) were used for information analysis. Through a standardized search, we ultimately found 1019 papers in the field of PD research, from which we extracted the 100 articles that had received the highest citations. The articles were published between 1949 and 2016. The United States is a major contributor to PD research (n = 67). The University of California, Los Angeles, was the institution with the largest number of articles (n = 11). These articles were published in 16 journals, with the largest number appearing in the Journal of Urology (n = 47). The author with the most articles was Levine LA (n = 9). Gelbard MK's articles had the highest citation frequency (n = 1158). Erectile dysfunction (n = 19) was the keyword with the highest frequency, indicating that PD-related erectile dysfunction was the leading focus of research in this field. Most of the keywords that have appeared in the past decade are related to the clinical treatment of PD. Therefore, we believe that improving patients' erectile function to the greatest extent in clinical treatment is the frontier and hot spot of future research.

Safety and feasibility of percutaneous needle tunneling with platelet-rich plasma injections for Peyronie's disease in the outpatient setting: a pilot study

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the combined simultaneous percutaneous needle tunneling coupled with injection of platelet-rich plasma in the outpatient department for the treatment of Peyronie's disease. This prospective, non-randomized, cohort and preliminary study included patients who underwent this procedure from November 2020 to July 2022. The main outcome was an improvement in penile curvature. Fifty-four patients were enrolled and underwent 6 sessions under local anesthesia followed by vacuum therapy for the treatment of Peyronie's disease in our outpatient unit. The amendment of the curvature angle was significant with a median correction percentage of -44.40% interquartile range (-66.70 to (-39.70)), [p-value = 0.001, 95% CI (-29.76 to (-18.02)), paired Student's t-test]. The median pre-treatment curvature angle was 45° (40-75), and the median post-treatment was 30° (20-40). The median score for pain during the procedure was 3 (0-4.25) according to a 10-point visual analogic scale. After two hours, 20.37% of patients still had pain but none required any pain medication. 50% of patients had a minor hematoma and 75.93% patients reported penile ecchymosis. A single patient reported an injection site skin infection. In our experience percutaneous needle tunneling with platelet-rich plasma injections for Peyronie's disease in the outpatient setting is a safe, effective, and feasible treatment of penile deformity for PD.

Temporal gene signature of myofibroblast transformation in Peyronie's disease: first insights into the molecular mechanisms of irreversibility

BACKGROUND

Transformation of resident fibroblasts to profibrotic myofibroblasts in the tunica albuginea is a critical step in the pathophysiology of Peyronie's disease (PD). We have previously shown that myofibroblasts do not revert to the fibroblast phenotype and we suggested that there is a point of no return at 36 hours after induction of the transformation. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive this proposed irreversibility are not known.

AIM

Identify molecular pathways that drive the irreversibility of myofibroblast transformation by analyzing the expression of the genes involved in the process in a temporal fashion.

METHODS

Human primary fibroblasts obtained from tunica albuginea of patients with Peyronie's disease were transformed to myofibroblasts using transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). The mRNA of the cells was collected at 0, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours after stimulation with TGF-β1 and then analyzed using a Nanostring nCounter Fibrosis panel. The gene expression results were analyzed using Reactome pathway analysis database and ANNi, a deep learning-based inference algorithm based on a swarm approach.

OUTCOMES

The study outcome was the time course of changes in gene expression during transformation of PD-derived fibroblasts to myofibroblasts.

RESULTS

The temporal analysis of the gene expression revealed that the majority of the changes at the gene expression level happened within the first 24 hours and remained so throughout the 72-hour period. At 36 hours, significant changes were observed in genes involved in MAPK-Hedgehog signaling pathways.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

This study highlights the importance of early intervention in clinical management of PD and the future potential of new drugs targeting the point of no return.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

The use of human primary cells and confirmation of results with further RNA analysis are the strengths of this study. The study was limited to 760 genes rather than the whole transcriptome.

CONCLUSION

This study is to our knowledge the first analysis of temporal gene expression associated with the regulation of the transformation of resident fibroblasts to profibrotic myofibroblasts in PD. Further research is warranted to investigate the role of the MAPK-Hedgehog signaling pathways in reversibility of PD.

The association between Peyronie's disease and depression: a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) can have an immense psychological impact, with depression being a reported possible, severe consequence. To date, no literature reviews have systematically and critically assessed the relationship between PD and depression.

OBJECTIVES

The study sought to identify and critically appraise the current literature on the association between PD and depression.

METHODS

Studies had to address men with PD or probable PD and assess depression or depressive symptoms. Quantitative and qualitative, peer-reviewed, primary, empirical studies written in English or Danish were included. According to the guidelines for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews) guideline, we performed a systematic review of PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Reference lists of included studies were screened for additional sources. Gray literature was searched for in Google Scholar and Bielefeld Academic Search Engine. Data were charted using a data extraction form, and critical appraisal was performed using the QuADS (quality assessment with diverse studies) tool.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included. Most studies had a cross-sectional design, and also cohort studies and longitudinal observational studies without a control group were found. Depression was assessed mainly by validated questionnaires or diagnostic codes. Questionnaire studies found a prevalences of moderate to severe depression of 24% to 48%, while studies using diagnostic codes found depression in 4% to 37% of men with PD. The quality of the included studies varied from 38% to 82% of the maximum possible score in the QuADS assessment.

CONCLUSION

While most studies describe an association between PD and depression, the evidence is not comprehensive. The current literature is especially at risk of selection bias and the influence of confounding factors, and a direct causality between PD and depression cannot be established. Future research calls for more methodically rigorous studies as well as qualitative studies to understand the relationship.

First worldwide correction of ventral Peyronie's disease utilizing rigicon inflatable penile prosthesis combined with plaque incision & grafting with collagen fleece (PICS-technique) for residual curvature

Adjunctive residual curvature correction by plaque incision and grafting with a sutureless graft during inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation in patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) is our preferred technique. The PICS Technique (Penile Implant in Combination with the Sealing Technique) uses a self-adhesive collagen fleece (TachoSil®, Corza Medical, MA, USA) to cover the defect after plaque incision. The graft does not require sutures improving operative speed and avoiding needle stick of the implant cylinders. In this article, we present the first known application worldwide of a Rigicon Infla10® X (Rigicon, Ronkonkoma, NY, USA) device to Peyronie's ventral curvature. The patient's residual curvature of 80° after implantation was corrected by PICS through an additional subcoronal incision. At the conclusion of surgery, the penis was totally straight and rigid. No intra- and postoperative complications occurred. At the early follow-up of 12 weeks postoperatively, the patient was able to inflate and deflate the device and sexual intercourse was possible. A combination of the Rigicon Infla10® X and the PICS Technique represents a safe and successful approach for residual curvature correction during IPP in patients with ventral Peyronie's curvature. The Rigicon Infla10® X device showed excellent rigidity, and controlled expansion of the X cylinders means it can be used with the PICS Technique without restrictions. Early results are promising. Long-term follow-up and more patients are needed.

The impact of Peyronie's disease on couples

PURPOSE

Peyronie's disease is an acquired fibrosis of penile albuginea which modifies the penile morphology. Few studies described the consequences of Peyronie's disease on the intimate environment. We studied consequences on the patient and on the partner(s).

METHODS

We questioned last patients followed in our center and more specifically the partners in a direct way, through an online questionnaire, integrating a validated score (HAD score).

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients and 41 partners gave their agreement by answering the questionnaire. Median age was 51.8 years, with a median duration of symptoms of 15 months. Patients described penile deformation (96%), erectile pain (80%) and erectile dysfunction (40%). Patients had penile pain at rest (26%) or sleep disorders (60%). The level of sexual desire was lower in 86%, Penetrative sex was possible in 87%, couple relationship was deteriorated in 40%. Penile deformation bothers 61% of partners. During the stable phase, 60% of patients underwent surgery. HAD score in the general population was 20.24. The 0-60° subgroup was statistically less anxious (10.06 vs. 13.25) and depressed (7.68 vs. 10.05) than the > 60° subgroup (P<0.05). Partners made research on the disease in 51% of cases; the feeling of having been involved in disease management was found in 66% of cases. Most of partners felt powerless or frustrated.

CONCLUSION

Peyronie's disease has a certain psychological impact on the couple. It combines depressive and social disorders, a devaluation of patients and an alteration of their intimacy. The role of partners in the management of this pathology is undervalued. This must be a subject of further studies to guarantee optimal overal.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Outcomes of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum in men with ventral curvatures: an updated series

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) have been demonstrated in the treatment of men with Peyronie's disease (PD); however, the pivotal clinical trials excluded men with ventral penile curvature.

AIM

The study sought to evaluate outcomes of CCH treatment in men with ventral curvatures secondary to PD.

METHODS

Men with PD treated with CCH were identified from a prospective database. Patients received up to 4 series of CCH injections using a progressively modified protocol over time. Results were compared between those with baseline ventral vs nonventral penile curvatures.

OUTCOMES

Changes in penile curvature, Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire scores, International Index of Erectile Function scores, nonstandardized assessments, and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 560 men with PD (85 ventral curvature, 475 nonventral curvature) were included in the analysis. Baseline median curvature was 60.0° (interquartile range, 48.8°-75.0°) in the ventral cohort and 65.0° (interquartile range, 45.0°-80.0°) in the nonventral cohort. Median change from baseline penile curvature was -25.0° in the ventral cohort vs -24.0° in the nonventral cohort (P = .08, between-group comparison), which corresponded to curvature reductions of 44.7% and 33.6%, respectively (P = .03). In the subset of patients who completed CCH treatment (ie, received 8 injections or discontinued early because of patient satisfaction with curvature reduction), median change from baseline was -35.0° in the ventral cohort vs -25.0° in the nonventral cohort (P < .05); median percent improvement was 48.3% and 37.5%, respectively (P = .11). Median change from baseline in Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire and International Index of Erectile Function domain scores and adverse events were similar between cohorts, with the exception of possibly higher hematoma rates in the nonventral group (50% vs 37%; P = .05). No urethral injuries were sustained in either cohort.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Data support the use of CCH for the treatment of ventral as well as nonventral penile curvatures in men with PD.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Study strengths are the inclusion of a general clinical population of men with PD, the prospective design, and the relatively large series of men with ventral curvature. Limitations include the single-center and observational nature of the study.

CONCLUSION

CCH was safe and effective in the treatment of both ventral and nonventral penile curvatures in men with PD.

Measurement of Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) in Penile Corpora Cavernosa and Peripheral Blood of Peyronie's Disease Patients: A Report of 49 Cases

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the penile albuginea. Oxidative stress (OS) is important for the development of the disease; therefore, it seemed interesting to us to directly measure OS at both the site of the disease and in peripheral blood. For a precise OS study, it is necessary to evaluate not only the single results of the total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) but also their ratio: OS index (OSI) (arbitrary unit) = TOS/TAS × 100. This study included 49 PD patients examined and diagnosed in our Peyronie's care center and a control group of 50 cases. We collected blood samples from both the penis and a vein in the upper extremity; we used d-ROMs and PAT-test (FRAS kit) for OS measurement. Pearson's study found a statistical correlation between penile OSI values and PD plaque volumes: p-value = 0.002. No correlation was found between systemic OSI values and PD plaque volumes: p-value = 0.27. Penile OSI values were significantly reduced after the elimination of the PD plaque (p < 0.00001). The mean value of the penile OSI indices in the PD patients after plaque elimination corresponded to 0.090 ± 0.016 (p = 0.004). The comparison between the penile OSI values of the PD patients (with plaque elimination) and the control group revealed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.130). The absence of a correlation between Peyronie's plaque volume and systemic OSI values indicates that it is preferable to carry out the OS study by taking a sample directly from the site of the disease. By carrying out a penile OSI study, it would be possible to obtain a precise plaque-volume-dependent oxidative marker. Even if the study did not demonstrate any correlation between OSI indices and anxious-depressive state, we detected a high prevalence of anxiety (81.6%) and depression (59.1%) in PD patients.

Updated recommendations on the therapeutic role of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for peyronie's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic role of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for Peyronie's disease (PD) has been controversial in a long term. We aimed to further evaluate the therapeutic effect of ESWT for PD on the basis of available high-quality studies.

METHODS

The PubMed, CENTRAL and Embase databases were searched for articles published from January 1st, 2000 to December 31, 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using ESWT to treat PD were included. Meta-analysis and forest plots were carried out using Review Manager 5.4.1 software, and outcomes were reviewed by 2 authors independently. Using the Risk of Bias assessment form (ROB-2) by Cochrane Collaboration for quality assessment. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were used in this article to achieve the quantitative and qualitative synthesis of data.

RESULTS

A total of four RCTs were included. 151 patients in the ESWT group and 150 patients in the control group. The meta-analysis results showed that ESWT could significantly reduce plaque size (OR 2.59, 95%CI 1.15 to 5.85, P = 0.02) and relieve pain (MD -1.55, 95%CI -2.46 to -0.64, P = 0.0008); but it has no significant effect on reducing the penile curvature (OR 1.93, 95%CI 0.87-4.26, P = 0.11) and improving sexual function (MD 2.6, 95%CI -1.63 to 6.83, P = 0.23), there is also no significant difference in complication rates between groups (OR 2.94, 95%CI 0.66 to 13.03, P = 0.16). The risk of bias of results is low. The limitations of this study are that the number of included studies is too small, some experimental outcomes are missing, and the expression of outcomes is not unified.

CONCLUSIONS

For PD, ESWT can be considered as a safe short-term treatment, which can reduce plaque size and relieve pain, but cannot improve penile curvature and sexual function. Its long-term efficacy remains to be discussed.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023436744).

Comparison of patient-reported outcomes after penile prosthesis placement in men with and without Peyronie's disease

We evaluated outcomes in patients undergoing penile prothesis (PP) implantation for erectile dysfunction (ED) and concurrent Peyronie's Disease (PD). A clinician-developed survey to assess satisfaction was sent to 354 patients who underwent PP placement from 2012-2018 by a single-surgeon. Results were compared based on the presence or absence of concurrent PD. 79 patients completed the survey (response rate 22%), including 38 patients (48%) with concurrent ED and PD (ED/PD). Mean follow-up was 31 months (standard deviation 19). 87% felt their condition was "very much" or "much" improved. There was no significant difference in patient-reported overall satisfaction with their PP or satisfaction with current penile length/girth based on the presence or absence of PD. 87% of patients with PD were satisfied with their degree of penile straightening after PP plus or minus concurrent straightening maneuvers such as modeling, plication, or incision/grafting. Sub-group analyses were performed to evaluate outcomes in those with concurrent PD/ED who required plaque incision/grafting at the time of PP placement for more severe deformity (n = 19). 47% of these patients were dissatisfied with their current penile length, compared with only 16% of those patients with PD/ED who did not require grafting (p = 0.05). In conclusion, the presence of PD alone may not impact PP satisfaction, but patients with more severe baseline deformity who require incision/grafting may be less satisfied with outcomes including penile length.

European Society of Sexual Medicine consensus statement on the use of animal models for studying Peyronie's disease

Introduction

Animal models are frequently used for translational research in Peyronie's disease (PD). However, due to lack of availability of guidelines, there is some heterogeneity in study design, data reporting, and outcome measures.

Aim

This European Society for Sexual Medicine consensus statement aims to provide guidance in utilization of animal models in PD research in a standardized and uniform fashion.

Methods

PubMed was searched for studies using animal models for PD. The following search terms were used: ("Peyronie's disease" OR "penile fibrosis" OR "penile curvature" OR "induration penis plastica" OR "erectile dysfunction") AND ("rodent" OR "mouse" OR "mice" OR "rat" OR "rabbit").

Outcomes

This European Society for Sexual Medicine statement describes best practice guidelines for utilization of animals in PD research: power calculation, details of available models, surgical procedures, and measurement techniques, while highlighting possible pitfalls and translational limitations of the models.

Results

In total, 2490 studies were retrieved and 2446 articles were excluded. A total of 44 studies were included, of which 40 studies used rats, 1 study used both rats and mice, 1 study used a genetic mouse model, and 2 studies used rabbits. A significant number of the studies (70.5%) used transforming growth factor β 1 for induction of fibrosis. Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence criteria could not be applied due to the nature of the studies.

Conclusion

Despite certain limitations of PD animal models presented, we aimed to provide guidance for their appropriate use in translational research, with the purpose of improving study quality and reproducibility as well as facilitating interpretation of reported results and conclusions.

Molecular Mechanisms and Risk Factors Related to the Pathogenesis of Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a benign condition caused by plaque formation on the tunica albuginea of the penis. It is associated with penile pain, curvature, and shortening, and contributes to erectile dysfunction, which worsens patient quality of life. In recent years, research into understanding of the detailed mechanisms and risk factors involved in the development of PD has been increasing. In this review, the pathological mechanisms and several closely related signaling pathways, including TGF-β, WNT/β-catenin, Hedgehog, YAP/TAZ, MAPK, ROCK, and PI3K/AKT, are described. Findings regarding cross-talk among these pathways are then discussed to elucidate the complicated cascade behind tunica albuginea fibrosis. Finally, various risk factors including the genes involved in the development of PD are presented and their association with the disease summarized. The purpose of this review is to provide a better understanding regarding the involvement of risk factors in the molecular mechanisms associated with PD pathogenesis, as well as to provide insight into disease prevention and novel therapeutic interventions.

Statins synergize with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors but not with selective estrogen receptor modulators to prevent myofibroblast transformation in an in vitro model of Peyronie's disease

BACKGROUND

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder characterized by plaque formation in the tunica albuginea (TA) of the penis, and we have previously shown that inhibition of transformation of TA-derived fibroblasts to myofibroblasts using a combination phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) is effective in slowing the progression of early PD.

AIM

The study sought to investigate whether combinations of statins with PDE5 inhibitors or SERMs would affect myofibroblast transformation in vitro.

METHODS

Primary fibroblasts were isolated from TA of patients with PD and stimulated with transforming growth factor β1 in the absence and presence of a range of concentrations of statins, PDE5 inhibitors, SERMs, and their combinations for 72 hours before quantifying α-smooth muscle actin using in-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

OUTCOMES

The prevention of transforming growth factor β1-induced transformation of TA-derived fibroblasts to myofibroblasts was measured in vitro.

RESULTS

Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin) inhibited myofibroblast transformation in a concentration-dependent manner with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 0.77 ± 0.07 μM and 0.8 ± 0.13 μM, respectively. Simvastatin inhibited myofibroblast transformation in a synergistic fashion when combined with vardenafil (a PDE5 inhibitor; log alpha >0). Combination of tamoxifen (a SERM) and simvastatin did not show synergy (log alpha <0). When 3 drugs (simvastatin, vardenafil, and tamoxifen) were combined, the effect was not synergistic, but rather was additive.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

A combination of a statin with a PDE5 inhibitor might be useful in the clinic to slow the progression of the disease in patients with early PD; however, caution should be taken with such a combination because of the reported myopathy as a side effect.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

The use of primary human cells from patients with PD is a strength of this study. The mechanisms by which these drug classes exert synergy when used in combination was not investigated.

CONCLUSION

This is the first demonstration of an antifibrotic synergy between statins and PDE5 inhibitors.

Peyronie’s Disease: A Brief Overview

Peyronie's disease is an acquired connective tissue disease of the tunica albuginea of the penis which usually presents with penile curvature/deformity and a palpable penile plaque. It is more common in Caucasian men over the fifth decade of life, but it is an under-reported disease. Conservative and non-surgical options are supported by limited evidence except for intralesional injection of collagenase clostridium histolyticum and have limited success. The improved outcome of surgical treatment is accompanied by the risk of erectile dysfunction. This is a brief overview of Peyronie's disease, its impact on the patient, and the available treatment options.

The use of collagen fleece to correct residual curvature during inflatable penile prosthesis implantation (PICS technique) in patients with complex Peyronie disease: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The PICS technique (penile implant in combination with the sealing) was recently described as a valuable option to correct residual curvature during inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation in patients with complex Peyronie disease (PD).

AIM

To report the surgical and functional outcomes of the PICS technique in a multicentric series of patients.

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients with complex PD who underwent PICS were recruited. Patients were from 2 European tertiary referral centers. Data regarding baseline characteristics and perioperative, postoperative, and functional outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.

OUTCOMES

Complete penile straightness, duration of operative time and hospital stay, as well as postoperative complications (including hematoma, IPP infection, and IPP mechanical failure) were recorded, whereas functional outcomes were evaluated through the administration of validated questionnaires at baseline and 12 months postoperatively: International Index of Erectile Function-5, Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 and 3 (SEP-2 and SEP-3), and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients with a median age of 62 years (IQR, 57-70 years) were enrolled. Median preoperative curvature was 75° (IQR, 65°-77°). Median residual curvature after IPP implantation was 60° (IQR, 50°-70°). Overall, 31 patients (84%) achieved a totally straight penis. Only 6 patients (16%) experienced a residual penile curvature (<20° in all cases) after the procedure. No intraoperative complications were detected. Nine patients (24%) developed an early postoperative complication, 3 (8%) a transient fever, and 6 (16%) a genital hematoma. A single case of IPP acute infection requiring device explantation was recorded. The survey response rate was 100%. At the 12-month follow-up evaluation, the median IIEF-5 score was 23.5 (IQR, 22.2-25) with evident improvement vs the baseline value of 10 (IQR, 8-12). Accordingly, 92% of the patients responded positively to SEP-2 and SEP-3. For the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction, patients recorded a median postoperative value of 25 (IQR, 21-30) 1 year after PICS.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Complex PD is an end-stage disease featured by severe penile curvature, penile shortening, and erectile dysfunction: the gold standard approach is deemed to be penile prosthesis implantation, aiming to address penile curvature and erectile dysfunction, but in a limited percentage of cases, additional maneuvers are deemed necessary to manage residual penile curvature.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Our study has some limitations: the retrospective nature, relatively short follow-up, and limited number of patients.

CONCLUSION

The PICS technique may represent a reliable and effective treatment option to address significant residual curvature after IPP implantation.

Peyronie's Disease: An Outcomes-Based Guide to Non-Surgical and Novel Treatment Modalities

The clinical landscape of Peyronie's disease is everchanging. There has been growing interest in non-invasive therapeutic options that could assist patients with achieving a meaningful reduction in penile curvature without surgical intervention. These therapies are wide-ranging in terms of their mechanisms of action, efficacies, and short- and long-term safety profiles. Recently, an abundance of outcomes literature on longstanding and novel non-surgical treatment modalities has been published. For sexual medicine providers hoping to offer patients the most up-to-date and evidence-based treatments for the management of Peyronie's disease, it can be challenging to gain a thorough understanding of this body of literature. In this clinical management review, the workup and current theories on the pathophysiology of Peyronie's disease are reviewed, and the most recent outcomes data on the currently available non-surgical treatment modalities are presented. With an accurate understanding of the current landscape of Peyronie's disease treatment, sexual health providers will be able to better evaluate and engage in evidence-based shared decision-making with their patients.

Significant inverse association of testosterone level with penile deformity severity in Japanese males with Peyronie's disease

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the relationship between penile curvature and testosterone in Peyronie's disease patients treated in Japan.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 109 patients with Peyronie's disease treated with surgery at our hospital between April 2004 and December 2019. Penile deformity assessment was based on findings of a rigid erection induced by intracavernosal injection. Low total testosterone level was defined as <300 ng/dl. Patients were divided into two groups according to curvature severity (I, <60°; II ≥60°), then clinical factors including total testosterone were compared. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors predicting severe penile deformity (≥60°).

RESULTS

For all patients, mean total testosterone was 469 ng/dl and median curvature was 50°, with a significant inverse correlation found between curvature and testosterone level (p < 0.0001). Group I and II patients numbered 55 and 54, respectively. Mean total testosterone for Group II was 397 ng/dl, significantly lower than Group I (539 ng/dl). Median curvature in 15 patients with a low testosterone level was 80°, significantly higher than those with a normal testosterone range (50°). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated total testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, and C-reactive protein as significant factors correlated with severe penile deformity, among which total testosterone was most relevant.

CONCLUSION

The present findings confirmed that penile deformity severity is correlated with testosterone level in Japanese males with Peyronie's disease.

Penile Autophotography Underestimates the Degree of Penile Curvature in Peyronie's Disease

BACKGROUND

Penile curvature is the most debilitating symptom of Peyronie's disease (PD); the evaluation of the degree of angulation is essential for planning treatment strategy. However, the most used method of penile at-home autophotography (AHP) is associated with some potential pitfalls and discrepancies compared with different assessment methods.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the degree of penile curvature quantified by AHP and in-office intracavernosal alprostadil injection (ICI) prior to therapy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Data from 55 PD patients of a single tertiary referral center were analyzed. All patients provided standardized AHP of the erect phallus. Clinic-based assessment included ICI with curvature measurement and completion of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15).

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The Wilcoxon and/or chi-square test was used to compare the degree of curvature obtained using AHP and ICI, and to evaluate whether erectile dysfunction was a predictor of a relevant difference of >10° in curvature assessment between AHP and ICI.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Our study showed a significant (p < 0.001) difference in the degree of penile curvature between AHP (48° [38°; 55°]) and ICI (50° [40°; 65°]). Patients suffering from erectile dysfunction tend to have a higher difference in the degree of penile curvature between AHP and ICI than patients with good erectile function (p < 0.001). Our study is not devoid of limitations. First, we did not use Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire, as suggested by the European Association of Urology guidelines. Second, we did not evaluate inter- and intraobserver variations in the measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

AHP tends to underestimate the extent of penile curvature compared to ICI. Erectile dysfunction is an independent predictor of measurement differences of >10° between AHP and ICI.

PATIENT SUMMARY

It is necessary to evaluate the degree of penile curvature in Peyronie's disease prior to therapy decision. The at-home self-photography underestimates the real degree of penile curvature compared with an erection by in-office penile drug injection. Especially men suffering from erectile dysfunction carry the risk of a high difference in the measured degree of penile curvature, with a potential impact on the further treatment.

Predictors of Curvature Improvement in Men with Peyronie's Disease Treated with Intralesional Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum

INTRODUCTION

Penile curvature is the most common abnormality that is observed by men with Peyronie's disease (PD). Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) has become a standard treatment for PD patients.

AIM

To identify predictor factors associated with improvements of penile curvature outcomes in men with PD treated with CCH.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the data of patients with PD treated with CCH up to 8 injections divided into 4 cycles between January 2014 and July 2020. Per protocol, penile curvature was assessed at baseline, and after the second and ford CCH cycle. If after cycle 2, curvature demonstrated no improvement, or penile curvature was significantly improved and the patient was happy, no further treatment was recommended. However, if penile curvature was significantly improved and the patient remained dissatisfied, 4 cycles were completed. Three categories of response were evaluated: improvement (≥10 degrees or ≥20%, either 1 happens), unchanged (±10 degrees or ±20%) or worsened (≥10 degrees or ≥20%, either 1 happens). Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate predictive factors associated with penile curvature improvements.

OUTCOMES

Degrees of the curvature changes between the baseline and after the cycles of CCH.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients underwent CCH treatment. Median age was 57 years. Median PD duration was 11 months. At baseline, mean curvature was 47 degrees, 65% had dorsal curvature, 53% mid-shaft location, and 15% calcification. After CCH treatment, the mean final curvature was 40 degrees. A total of 44% improved the curvature, 39% had no change while 17% worsened after CCH treatment. Of men who had penile curvature improvement with CCH treatment, the mean curvature decreasing in degrees and percentage were 22 degrees and 41%, respectively. Men with baseline curvature ≤ 30, 31-59, and ≥ 60 degrees, the percentage curvature improvement were 29%, 43%, and 60%, respectively. Baseline curvature was the only significant predictor of penile curvature improvement after CCH (OR 1.33, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.7).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

We confirmed baseline penile curvature is the most important predictive factor, and this is the first report describing proportions of penile curvature improvement with CCH treatment.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This study has several strengths, including the use of validated instruments. Nonetheless, there are limitations: the retrospective nature of the study, a single institution; and modelling device was not controlled.

CONCLUSION

Penile curvature improvement was significantly more common in patients with greater baseline curvature, reaching up to 60% for patients with ≥ 60 degrees.

A Consistent Lack of Consistency in Defining the Acute and Chronic Phases of Peyronie's Disease: A Review of the Contemporary Literature

INTRODUCTION

Treatment recommendations for Peyronie's Disease (PD) differ based on whether a patient is in the acute/active versus chronic/stable phase of the disease, yet there are no agreed upon criteria for defining these clinical entities.

OBJECTIVES

To review the criteria used to define acute and chronic phase PD in modern PD intervention studies.

METHODS

We performed a search engine review to identify indexed publications for PD intervention studies and review articles / meta-analyses from the year 2011-2020. Outcomes results were catalogued and summarized across articles. As a result of the substantial heterogeneity of outcome measures and follow-up intervals, meta-analytic techniques were not applied to the data analysis.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 104 studies that met inclusion criteria and had available information for review (n = 79 primary intervention studies; n = 25 review articles/meta-analyses/guidelines). Among the queried studies, we were unable to identify a consensus with respect to the criteria used to define acute and chronic phases of PD. 33% of primary intervention studies did not specifically define their criteria for acute and chronic phase PD, despite referencing these populations as part of the inclusion criteria in many instances. Studies used heterogenous criteria including total symptom duration, duration of "stable" symptoms, and presence/absence of pain.

CONCLUSION

Due to varying definitions across the literature, we were unable to create a standardized definition of acute and chronic phase Peyronie's in terms of time. Our findings emphasize the need for greater consensus in defining the treatment cohorts with future studies that assess treatment for men with PD.

Assessment of Conservative Combination Therapies for Active and Stable Peyronie's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

In patients with Peyronie's disease (PD), oral, injected, or topical agents provide limited efficacy. In this setting, combination of two or more conservative treatments may improve symptoms further.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of available conservative combination therapies for active and stable PD through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We searched multiple databases and sources of gray literature until June 2021. We included randomized or observational comparative studies assessing any conservative combination therapies for PD. We undertook a random-effect meta-analysis when at least two studies employed the same treatment modality (PROSPERO: CRD42021224517).

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall, 13 studies on active PD and ten on stable PD (1962 participants) were included. Most included studies raised methodological concerns. In patients with active or stable PD, the available evidence is inconclusive to support the use of any combination treatment modality, such as intralesional verapamil injections, antioxidants, and other oral, injected, or topical agents. Based on data availability, we performed a meta-analysis to compare the effect of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) plus adjunctive mechanical therapies (penile traction or vacuum pump) versus CCH monotherapy on penile curvature and length in patients with stable PD. CCH and adjunctive mechanical therapies resulted in an additional decrease of 0.3° in penile curvature (95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.97 to 4.49, I² = 0%) and in an increase of 0.5 cm in penile length (95% CI: -0.32 to 1.4, I² = 70%) compared with CCH monotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The available combination treatment modalities, including the addition of adjunctive mechanical therapies to CCH, do not improve symptoms further compared with monotherapy and should not be implemented in patients with active or stable PD. Further high-quality randomized trials combining only recommended treatments are mandatory.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Despite the interest in and optimism for combination treatment modalities, the road to an effective conservative therapy for Peyronie's disease still seems long.

Use of penile shear wave elastosonography for the diagnosis of Peyronie's Disease: a prospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the stiffness of the tunica albuginea (TA), we used a new noninvasive diagnostic technique called shear wave elastography (SWE). We determined whether SWE values are correlated with the degree of penile curvature, the time of disease onset, and pain severity experienced by patients during erection. This study analyzed the elasticity of the TA of patients with Peyronie's disease compared to that of the control group. We also analyzed any correlations between the stiffness of the cavernous bodies and the degree of curvature, time from diagnosis to curvature onset, and erectile pain severity. This was a prospective case-control study involving 100 men enrolled from September 2020 to August 2021. Participants were divided into group A (case group, n = 50), which included men with PD, with or without pain, and with penile curvature, or group B (control group, n = 50), which included healthy patients older than 18 years who visited the urology clinic for reasons other than PD. The medical history was collected for all patients who also underwent objective examination, B-mode ultrasound evaluation, and SWE. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire was administered to all participants.

RESULTS

There were no significant between-group differences regarding age, weight, and height (p > 0.05); however, there was a significant difference in the stiffness values (p < 0.05). An inverse correlation was observed between stiffness and the VAS score (p < 0.0001). A positive correlation was observed between the degree of curvature (p < 0.0001) and the time of curvature onset (p < 0.0001). The IIEF-15 scores were poorer in group A than in group B (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

SWE is an inexpensive, noninvasive method that can be used to measure the stiffness of PD patients.

Clinical Significance of Shortened Penile Length and Alterations in Penile Length Following Treatment for Peyronie's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Across many cultures, penis size has been associated with virility, and concerns about penile length are commonplace. Peyronie's disease (PD) is a known acquired cause of penile shortening.

OBJECTIVES

This paper describes the psychosocial impacts of penile length on men and their partners, both generally and in men with PD, and evaluates the effect of PD treatments (eg, collagenase clostridium histolyticum , surgery, mechanical therapy) on this outcome measure.

METHODS

A PubMed database search was performed for English language articles through July 2021. Main outcome measures were association of penile length with emotional well-being, selfesteem, and relationship satisfaction in men with PD, and change from baseline penile length after treatment.

RESULTS

Shortened penile length caused by PD can negatively impact patient and partner quality of life, including effects on body image, emotional well-being, sexual function, and interpersonal relationships. In men with PD, studies have demonstrated an association between loss of penile length and emotional problems, reduced satisfaction with sexual performance, poor self-esteem, depression, and relationship difficulties. Loss of penile length can frequently occur after surgery for PD (including plication, plaque incision/excision with grafting, and penile implant). Advanced surgical techniques may preserve/increase penile length, but the increased risks associated with these complex procedures must be carefully considered. Treatment with collagenase clostridium histolyticum does not appear to negatively impact penile length, and 5-year follow-up data suggest potential longterm posttreatment improvements in this outcome measure. Penile traction therapy, either alone or as adjunctive therapy, may increase penile length in men with PD, but nonadherence may limit improvement.

CONCLUSION

Changes in penile length are important to many men, particularly those with PD, and should be considered during PD treatment selection. Penile length should be measured objectively before and after treatment for PD and should be included as an outcome measure in future studies on treatment effectiveness. Goldstein I, Gelbard MK, Lipshultz LI. Clinical Significance of Shortened Penile Length and Alterations in Penile Length Following Treatment for Peyronie's Disease. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:409-420.

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.

Are neutrophil–lymphocyte and platelet–lymphocyte ratios useful for determining active phase of Peyronie’s disease?

Background:

Management options for Peyronie’s disease (PD) are determined by the phase of the condition. Experts counsel against surgical intervention during the active phase of PD. Patients with chronic phase of PD are offered either collagenase injections or surgical intervention. Accurately characterising a patient’s phase of PD is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment option.

Objective:

To investigate neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as possible predictors for the determination of acute or chronic phase of PD.

Methods:

This study retrospectively queried all patients who presented for initial diagnosis of PD from 2016 to 2020 and had complete blood count (CBC) laboratory values before initial therapy. PD phase was defined per the American Urological Association guidelines. The active phase of PD was defined as a changing penile curvature and/or growing palpable plaque. The chronic phase of PD was defined as a stabilised penile curvature. All statistical analyses were two-tailed, using a significance level of 0.05.

Results:

One hundred nine patients met inclusion: 27 (25%) active phase and 82 (75%) chronic phase patients. Demographic and erectile characteristics were not statistically different between the two groups. NLR and PLR values between active and chronic phase patients were comparable ( p > 0.05). A linear regression evaluated correlations between the duration of PD and either NLR or PLR. Neither NLR nor PLR was correlated with PD duration on Spearman, Pearson, or Kandall tests. In addition, NLR and PLR were not noted to be predictors of PD phase on multiple logistic regression. Finally, a receiver operator characteristic curve was generated. NLR and PLR yielded an area under curve of 58% and 57.8%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Two recent studies suggested NLR and PLR could be used to predict the phases of PD. However, after evaluating a cohort of 109 men from our institution, our data do not support the use of peripheral blood PLR or NLR to determine the phase of PD.

Autologous testicular tunica vaginalis graft in Peyronie's disease: a prospective evaluation

BACKGROUND

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a two-phase progressive condition characterized by inelastic plaques in the tunica albuginea of the penis, leading to curvature of the penis. Men with PD also suffer from psychological distress, and sexual life and overall quality of life. Although the preferred surgical treatment modality in Peyronie's disease is plaque incision and grafting, there is lack of studies assessing the erectile function and penile vasculature after the treatment.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of plaque incision and tunica vaginalis of testis grafting in PD.

METHODS

This was a prospective analysis. Erectile dysfunction was assessed via International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF-5). Penile Doppler ultrasound was performed to assess peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV). Postoperative follow-ups were scheduled at 3, 12, and 24 months.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (mean age 47.2 ± 10.8 years) were included. The mean preoperative penile curvature was 48 ± 6.6°. The technical success rate was 100% at 3 months and 90% at 24 months. At follow-up visits, mean erect penile length was no different from the baseline. The baseline mean IIEF-5 score was 18.4 ± 2.5. The mean IIEF-5 score was 20.6 ± 2.6 at 24-month visit (p < 0.0001). Mean PSV significantly increased, while EDV significantly reduced after surgery. There were no serious complications related to surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that surgical reconstruction of penile curvature with tunica vaginalis grafting was a safe and effective procedure in PD.

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.

Auxetic Expansion of the Tunica Albuginea for Penile Length and Girth Restoration Without a Graft: A Translational Study

Introduction

Several conditions can cause penile length and girth loss. Surgical techniques have been used to restore these penile alterations in patients with severe erectile dysfunction during penile prosthesis implantation. One technique uses multiple small incisions in a mesh pattern (similar to a skin mesh) with satisfactory curvature correction without using a graft, however, this technique does not allow simultaneous increase in penile length and girth.

Aim

To identify a new surgical technique that increases both the length and girth at the same place on the corpora cavernosa (CC), allowing a simultaneously longitudinal and transverse increase of the tunica albuginea.

Methods

A sheet with a star-shaped perforation was created using a mathematical model to allow a longitudinal and transversal increase in the material. Two previously published penile model simulators, with and without deformity, were used to test the mechanical modification of this incision pattern in the CC.

Main Outcome Measure

The effect of the incisions pattern on the geometry of the CC simulator.

Results

The star-shaped incision (auxetic) simultaneously increased the length, girth, and volume of the CC simulator. This auxetic technique could correct any penile deformity, re-establishing the original penile anatomy. The new auxetic incision is only a conceptual and experimental technique awaiting clinical evidence.

Conclusion

The data presented here show that the auxetic technique successfully increases both the length and girth at the same place on the CC simulators, opening a new potential solution to correct challenging cases of complex penile deformities and to restore volume loss.

Miranda A, Auxetic Expansion of the Tunica Albuginea for Penile Length and Girth Restoration Without a Graft: A Translational Study. Sex Med 2021;9:100456.

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.

Urologists' knowledge base and practice patterns in Peyronie's disease. A national survey of members of the italian andrology society

Peyronie's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the formation of plaque in the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa, resulting in penis deformity. It is often associated with penile pain, especially in younger patients, but it is not rare for pain to be absent; the disease is also associated with erectile dysfunction and a depressive state in a large percentage of cases.

OBJECTIVE

Aim of our study was to explore the basic knowledge base and diagnostic and therapeutic practice patterns in Peyronie's disease (PD) of a large number of physicians belonging to the Italian Andrology Society (SIA).

METHODS

Our survey is based on two questionnaires which were e-mailed to the members of the SIA. The first questionnaire explored diagnostic and therapeutic practice patterns of SIA physicians, while the second questionnaire focused on their knowledge of the disease, as well as their training and level of experience in the specific field. We then planned to compare our outcomes with similar PD surveys from other countries.

RESULTS

The first questionnaire was answered by 142 SIA physicians. The second questionnaire was answered by 83 SIA physicians. Most respondents (74.6%) chose penile ultrasonography as first-line diagnostic approach and 47.1% prefer to perform a color Doppler ultrasound after pharmaco-induced erection. Concerning the therapeutic practice patterns in active stage of the disease, most respondents (99.29%) prefer conservative medical therapy. Additionally, most respondents (64.78%), when failure of conservative treatment had been established, considered surgical treatment necessary, specifically corporoplasty, which may be associated with other techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our survey show that, in comparison to their foreign counterparts, Italian SIA uro-andrologists have a more proactive diagnostic approach right from when patients first present. When PD is still in its active stage, SIA uro-andrologists mostly opt for medical therapy. In advanced disease or if conservative treatment fails, our survey indicates a greater preference for surgical treatment. Answers to the theoretical knowledge questions showed that SIA physicians have a good understanding of the disease's etiology, epidemiology, and clinical picture, and of the appropriate indications for treatment.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Peyronie's Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Peyronie's disease (PD) is associated with penile pain, deviation, and sexual dysfunction. Up till now, there is no conservative standard treatment for PD. However, the role of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is gaining increasing interest.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of ESWT on penile deviation, plaque size, erectile function, pain scale, and the rate of complications in PD patients.

METHODS

PubMed database was searched for articles published from January 2000 to November 2020, using related keywords and including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) only. Meta-analysis and forest plots were carried out using RevMan, and outcomes were reviewed by 2 authors independently. PRISMA guidelines were used in this article to achieve the quantitative and qualitative synthesis of data.

OUTCOMES

Changes in penile deviation, plaque size, erectile function, pain scale, and the rate of ESWT related complications.

RESULTS

The search yielded 73 articles. Three RCTs, including 117 patients in the ESWT group and 121 patients in the placebo group, were reviewed. ESWT is associated with reduction in plaque size (OR = 2.59, 95% CI (1.15-5.85), P= .02). No significant difference in reduction of penile deviation angle or rate of bruises were detected in post ESWT group when compared to placebo. No evidence was found to show an effect of ESWT on erectile function or pain scale.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Based on the available RCTs, ESWT fails to improve penile curvature or pain in men with PD.  Although ESWT may reduce plaque size, this remains of questionable clinical significance.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

RCTs used different metrics to report the same outcome. Missed data were imputed to match the requirements of meta-analysis. However, there is still much data that cannot be estimated.

CONCLUSION

The current data suggest that ESWT fails to improve penile curvature or pain in men with PD.  Although ESWT may reduce plaque size, this remains of questionable clinical significance, and further studies are required to confirm findings. Bakr AM, El-Sakka A. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Peyronie's Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sex Med 2021;18:1705-1714.

Canadian provider perspectives on Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for the treatment of Peyronie's disease and the impact of its discontinuation

Intralesional Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh) was the first non-surgical therapy approved for Peyronie's disease (PD). However, CCh's cost and poor market uptake has led to its discontinuation in Europe and Canada. In Canada, Xiaflex® is the trade name for CCh and it is produced by Paladin Labs Inc, an operating company of Endo International. The paper aims to better understand Canadian CCh providers' perspectives regarding its treatment efficacy and the potential impact of its discontinuation. All Xiaflex®-approved Canadian providers were asked to complete an anonymous 21-question survey using an online platform. Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics. Outcomes of interest included previous experience with CCh, protocols utilized, experience with insurance coverage, clinical and patient-reported outcomes, and provider perspectives on the discontinuation of CCh. Overall response rate was 48.3% (29/60). A total of 89% of respondents were male, 61% were in practice more than 10 years, 32% were in an academic practice, and 46% had completed an Andrology/Sexual Medicine fellowship. A total of 93% of respondents felt that CCh was superior to other intralesional therapies for PD. In all, 86% reported a patient satisfaction rate of at least 50%, and the majority (75%) saw a clinically meaningful response. Only 7% expressed difficulty obtaining insurance coverage, with many providers (71%) achieving an insurance approval rate between 75 and 100%. Only 54% of respondents reported that they would continue treating PD in light of CCh's discontinuation, and 96% felt that CCh's discontinuation represents a loss to Canadian patients. In light of CCh's discontinuation, most (79%) are now more likely to offer surgical treatment. In conclusion, most CCh providers found CCh to be effective and were dismayed by its discontinuation. The survey demonstrated that due to the withdrawal of CCh from Canada, physicians' abilities to offer effective medical therapy may become limited, with more providers offering surgical options for PD.

The Prevalence and Predictors of Penile Pain in Men with Peyronie's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Penile pain is one of the most stressful symptoms in men with Peyronie's disease (PD).

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence, clinical presentation and risk factors associated with penile pain in men with PD as well as to assess the psychosocial impact.

METHODS

We revised our institution's database of men diagnosed with PD. The information collected included penile pain assessments, and the scores of the PD Questionnaire (PDQ), Self-Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire (SEAR) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Questionnaire (CES-D). Descriptive and comparative statistics were used. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate predictive factors associated with penile pain.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Penile pain descriptive assessment and factors associated with penile pain in men with PD. Comparison of SEAR, CES-D and PDQ domain scores of men with and without penile pain.

RESULTS

431 men with PD were included for this analysis with a mean age of 55.9 years. Penile pain was reported by 36.7%; 65.2% of those had painful erection, 7% pain with flaccid state only, and 20% in both stages. The median pain severity was 3 with erection and 1 with flaccid stage. After adjusted logistic regression analyses, advanced age was associated with less pain (OR 0.94, P ≤ 0.001). Men with penile pain had no significant difference in CES-D and SEAR mean scores compared to men without penile pain. The PDQ scores for the physical/psychological symptoms domain and the bother domain were significantly higher in men with penile pain (12 vs 8.7; P < 0.01 and 9 vs 7.1; P < 0.01 respectively). Men with penile pain had a higher rate of clinically significant bother scores than men without penile pain (52% vs 35%, P ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Penile pain is common in men with PD. It was more common in young men and was associated with physical and psychological bothers in this population. Flores JM, Salter CA, Nascimento B, et al. The Prevalence and Predictors of Penile Pain in Men with Peyronie's Disease. Sex Med 2021;9:100398.

Lateral herniation during treatment with collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) for Peyronie's disease

Background

Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH), also know as Xiaflex, with penile modeling is considered to be the gold standard non-surgical option for management of Peyronie’s disease and is known to be safe and efficacious. Corporal rupture is a rare but known adverse event of CCH treatment, however there are limited studies describing corporal herniation without rupture. Here we present a patient who experienced a rare complication following CCH injections for Peyronie’s disease: lateral herniation of the tunica albuginea in the setting of a dorsal penile plaque.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old male presented to our clinic seeking treatment for Peyronie’s disease. On exam, he was found to have a palpable dorsal plaque and > 30 degrees leftward curvature of the penis. He was deemed an appropriate candidate for and patient decided to proceed with CCH and modeling. He received 2 cycles of CCH injections (4 total CCH injections) with in-office and at-home penile modeling, per manufacturer’s protocol. Two weeks following in-office modeling during his second CCH cycle, the patient reported a painless, soft swelling involving the left side of his penile shaft only occurring with erection. Exam and history were suggestive of lateral herniation rather than corporal rupture. CCH was discontinued. Patient declined further evaluation with penile ultrasound.

Conclusions

This is the first case report detailing lateral herniation with CCH injections. Symptoms and exam that should raise suspicion of corporal herniation are a soft, painless mass with erection.

[Efficacy and safety of local injections treatments for Peyronie's disease: Review of the literature]

AIM

To assess the efficacy and safety of local injection used to reduce penile curvature in Peyronie's disease.

METHODS

A review of the literature was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes) on the Medline database in April 2020, with the research: "collagenase"[All Fields] OR "Interferon"[All Fields] OR "verapamil"[All Fields] OR "betamethasone"[All Fields] OR "hyaluronic acid"[All Fields] OR "Platelet-Rich Plasma"[All Fields] OR "Stem Cells"[All Fields] AND "peyronie's"[All Fields] AND Controlled Clinical Trial[ptyp]. Only controlled studies with placebo group were included in this review.

RESULTS

Of the 35 articles identified, 6 placebo-controlled studies were finally included. Intra-plaque injections of verapamil did not show improvement in penile curvature. Injections of interferon α 2b and clostridium histolyticum collagenase allowed a statistically significant improvement in terms of curvature reduction: 13.5 versus 4.5 degrees P<0.01) and 17 versus 9.3 degrees P<0.0001 respectively. However, interferon α 2b is not available in France for Peyronie's disease and clostridium histolyticum collagenase is no longer authorized since March 1, 2020. No controlled studies are available on corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma or stem cells injections.

CONCLUSION

To correct the deformity in Peyronie's disease in the chronic phase, there is no effective solution currently available in France based on controlled studies. Surgery retains its place for the correction of a curvature of at least 30° associated with a sexual handicap in the stable phase, however at the cost of potential adverse effects. Stem cell or Platelet-Rich Plasma injection might be an injectable therapeutic alternative but need controlled studies.

Low-intensity shockwave therapy in Peyronie's disease: long-term results from a prospective, randomized, sham-controlled trial

Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiST) is an effective treatment for pain reduction in patients with Peyronie's disease (PD). We aimed to report the long-term results of a previously published randomized, sham-controlled trial on LiST for PD management. For the initial study, 102 patients with stable PD were randomly assigned to six sessions of LiST (n = 51) or sham (n = 51) therapy. All participants were subsequently contacted for an additional evaluation at 3 years after completion of the initial treatment and 63 of them (LiST = 34 and sham therapy = 29) presented for the evaluation. Among them, improvement of pain was reported in 23 participants (LiST = 16, sham = 7, p = 0.005) at 4 weeks and in 22 (LiST = 15, sham = 7, p = 0.031) at 3 years. We detected a mean difference of 2.2 points (95%CI: 0.9-3.5, p = 0.002) in the visual analog pain scale at 4 weeks and a mean difference of 2.5 points (95%CI: 1-4, p = 0.002) at 3 years between the two groups. No treatment-related complications occurred during the sessions or the follow-up period. Regarding the improvement of penile curvature or sexual function, no significant differences between the two groups were observed. Overall, LiST constitutes a safe and effective therapeutic approach for pain management both in the short- and long term.

[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.