Comparison of penile size and erectile function after high-intensity focused ultrasound and targeted cryoablation for localized prostate cancer: a prospective pilot study

Risk Factors for Severe Erectile Dysfunction after Focal Therapy with High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Prostate Cancer

The present study aimed to analyze the effect of predisposing clinical factors for severe erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients treated with focal therapy using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for localized prostate cancer (PC). Patients without severe ED (International Index of Erectile Function-5 [IIEF-5] score ≥ 8) before focal HIFU therapy were included. A total of 92 of the 240 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included. The rate of severe ED (IIEF-5 ≤ 7) was 36% 12 months after treatment. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the pre-procedural lower IIEF-5 score (odds ratio [OR] 0.812, p = 0.005), the pre-procedural lower score of the sexual domain of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (OR 0.960, p = 0.038), and the treatment of the edge of the peripheral zone (PZ) in proximity to the neurovascular bundle (NVB) [treated vs. untreated, OR 8.048, p = 0.028] were significant risk factors for severe ED at 12 months after treatment. In conclusion, pre-procedural lower erectile function and treatment of the part in proximity to the NVB were significant risk factors for severe ED after focal therapy.

Detailing Sexual Outcomes After Focal Therapy for Localised Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Focal therapy has emerged as a promising option to treat well-selected men with localised prostate cancer while preserving healthy prostate tissue and key structures, such as the urethral sphincter and neurovascular bundles. However, how this tissue preservation may translate into improved outcomes, particularly into improved sexual outcomes, is still an active research field.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to summarise the existing evidence, in order to provide patients with updated data on what to expect after treatment and help identify gaps in current knowledge that may warrant future research.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic literature search was conducted on Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search strategy was defined using the "litsearchr" function in R based on a preliminary "naïve" search using the following terms on Medline: (("focal therapy" OR "focal treatment") AND ("prostate cancer") AND ("sexual function" OR "erectile function")). A total of 42 studies, comprising 3117 patients treated and 2352 with available sexual outcomes, were included in the qualitative data synthesis and 26 in a random-effect meta-analysis.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was the most frequently used questionnaire (30/42 studies), with completion rates ranging from 24% to 100% at 18-24 mo. A decrease was noted at 3 mo (IIEF-5 decrease estimate -3.70 [95% confidence interval -4.43, -2.96]), with improvements at 6 mo (-2.18 [-2.91, -1.46]) and 12 mo (-2.14 [-2.96, -1.32]). Studies in which patients had an altered baseline sexual function were more likely to report a significant and durable postoperative decrease in erectile function scores. The patient-reported outcome questionnaires used were not designed for a diverse population. Functional outcomes were not the primary endpoint and have not been reported consistently in most studies considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Focal therapy led to changes in erectile function in most cases under the significance threshold of the patient-reported outcome questionnaires used. However, patients should be counselled according to their baseline erectile function. More research is warranted to detail aspects other than erectile function, such as ejaculation or orgasm. The early postoperative period appears key to study sexual changes after focal therapy, while only a moderate decrease is expected at 12 mo.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We reviewed the published literature detailing the sexual consequences of focal therapy for localised prostate cancer using patient-reported outcome questionnaires. Patients were likely to describe a significant decrease in their erectile function at 3 mo, with improvements noted at 6 and 12 mo. The results obtained may not be reproducible in a more diverse population, and further research is warranted to better study aspects other than erectile function, such as ejaculation or orgasm.

Detailing sexual outcomes after treatment of localised prostate cancer with focal therapy using various energy sources: protocol for a mixed-methods study

INTRODUCTION

Focal therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for men with localised prostate cancer. However, most of the evaluation of postoperative function has taken place at a relatively high, non-granular level. Most of the data we use to provide informed consent for our patients is obtained from retrospective series, or derived from prospective studies whose primary outcome was oncological. Finally, most studies have focused on erectile function and overlooked other, presumably important, elements of male sexual function. The present study aims at studying in-depth the sexual consequences of focal therapy with various energy sources.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This will be a mixed-methods research study based on a retrospective and prospective cohort, recruited in parallel. The retrospective cohort will consist of patients treated with focal irreversible electroporation, and the prospective cohort of patients treated with three focal therapy energies. Participants will be recruited from two UK urology centres, one National Health Service and one private. On consent, patients will fill in self-administered validated questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15), Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction-Short Form (MSHQ-EjD-SF)) and semistructured interviews will be organised to collect patients' expectations and postoperative changes in domains such as erection, ejaculation, orgasm, libido/sexual desire, masculinity/virility, penile morphology, pain or discomfort, regret, shame, cancer-related stress, overall impact and partner satisfaction. An exploratory thematic analysis will be performed to detail recurring themes that will be grouped into clusters of experiences. We will then be able to find clusters of agreement and disagreement that will be illustrated using exemplar patient quotations.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained (Regional Ethics Committee reference 20/NW/0335), as well as Health Research Authority approval. Results will be published in open-access peer-reviewed journals. Findings will also be translated into patient information resources (leaflets, online information sheets).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN11634296; Pre-results.

Erectile function after WST11 vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy for low-risk prostate cancer treatment

Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) using padeliporfin is currently assessed as a low-risk prostate cancer (LRPCa) treatment. The aim of this study was to assess erectile function outcomes of VTP for LRPCa treatment. We prospectively included all patients treated with VTP for LRPCa. The primary endpoint was the post-treatment International Index of Erectile Function score (IIEF5 score) evolution (at 6 months, 12 months, and then every year for 5 years). Secondary endpoints were the need of erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment and its efficacy. Eighty-two men were included. The median follow-up was 68 (range: 6–89) months. There was a 3-point significant decrease in the median IIEF5 score between baseline and at 6 months post-VTP (23 [range: 1–25] vs 20 [range: 1–25], P = 0.005). There was a 1-point decrease at 1 year and 2 years post-VTP compared to baseline (22 [range: 2–25] and 22 [range: 0–25], P < 0.005). There was no significant difference at 3, 4, and 5 years compared to baseline. Twenty-seven (32.9%) patients received ED treatment: phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDEI5; n = 18), intracavernous injections (ICI; n = 9), and intra-urethral gel (n = 1). The median IIEF5 score statistically significantly increased after ED treatment (7 [range: 0–24] vs 21 [range: 1–25], P < 0.001). ED treatment was efficient for 75% of the patients. There was no statistically significant difference between IIEF5 score at baseline and after ED treatment (P = 0.443). Forty-six patients were totally potent before VTP and among them, 13 needed ED treatment post-VTP with a success rate of 69.2%. VTP induced minimal changes in erectile function with a 3-point and a 1-point reduction in the IIEF5 score at 6 months and at 1 year, respectively. When required, ED treatment was efficient.

Cryotherapy versus high-intensity focused ultrasound for treating prostate cancer: Oncological and functional results

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

The increasingly early diagnosis of prostate cancer requires a search for therapeutic alternatives with good oncological results that in turn facilitate a good long-term quality of life. This review analyses 2 minimally invasive therapies for treating localised prostate cancer in terms of oncological and functional results, as well as the complications resulting from the therapies.

ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE

A systematic literature review was conducted of the treatment of localised prostate cancer with 2 ablative techniques as the primary therapy: cryosurgery or cryotherapy and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). We included patients who underwent procedures that included the entire gland, with hemiablation or focal therapy, which were indicated for low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer according to the D'Amico criteria. We excluded patients with high-risk prostate cancer and those who underwent any prior treatment for prostate cancer.

SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE

After conducting the literature search and excluding the studies that did not meet the protocol criteria, we reviewed a total of 14 studies, with a total of 350 patients treated using cryotherapy and 1107 treated with HIFU. All studies were either prospective or retrospective and were not randomised. The patients' mean age was younger than 75 years. Overall, the rate of disease recurrence in the patients treated with cryotherapy varied between 13.2% and 26%, while the rate for those treated with HIFU varied between 7.3% and 67.9%. The overall demonstrated continence at 12 months was 97.6-100% for cryotherapy and 96-100% for HIFU. In terms of sexual potency rates, cryotherapy showed complete potency at 12 months for 86-100% of the patients treated with focal cryotherapy and slightly lower rates for hemiablation (76.9-100%) and total therapy (39%). HIFU showed potency rates of 89%, 52-80% and 33-78% for focal therapy, hemiablation and total therapy, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both techniques have comparable functional results, although the somewhat poorer oncological results for HIFU reflect a steeper learning curve, which could lead to its use in centres with high volumes of patients.

A comparison of time taken to return to baseline erectile function following focal and whole gland ablative therapies for localized prostate cancer: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review erectile function (EF) outcomes following primary whole gland (WG) and focal ablative therapies for localized prostate cancer to ascertain whether the treatment modality or intended treatment volume affects the time taken to recover baseline EF.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

A systematic review was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis statement. Inclusion criteria were men with localized prostate cancer treated with primary, ablative therapy. Primary outcome was the return to baseline EF measured with objective, validated symptoms scores. Secondary outcome was use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors or erectile aids. Meta-analysis was not performed owing to heterogenous outcome measures.

RESULTS

Of 222 articles identified in February 2017, 55 studies which reported EF after ablative therapy were identified but only 17 used validated outcome measures and met inclusion criteria. WG cryotherapy was used in 2 studies, WG high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in 5, focal cryotherapy in 2, focal HIFU in 3, focal phototherapy or laser therapy in 4, vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy in 3, and irreversible electroporation in 2. WG cryotherapy was associated with a significant decline in EF at 6 months with minimal improvement at 36 months. Baseline IIEF-15 of patients undergoing focal HIFU fell 30 points at 1 month but returned to baseline by 6 months. The remaining focal therapies demonstrated minimal or no effect on EF, but the men in these studies had small foci of disease. The review is limited by lack of randomized studies and heterogenous outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies assessing the outcomes of focal therapy on sexual function were not of high quality, used heterogenous outcomes, and had relatively short follow up, highlighting the need for more robustly designed studies using validated patient reported outcome measures  for comparison. However, FT in general resulted in less effect on EF than WG ablation.

Comparisons of oncological and functional outcomes among radical retropubic prostatectomy, high dose rate brachytherapy, cryoablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound for localized prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To conduct a retrospective, single institutional and comparative study for radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRBT), cryoablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in localized prostate cancer with respect to oncological and functional outcomes.

METHODS

We reviewed 97, 161, 114 and 120 patients of RRP, HDRBT, cryoablation and HIFU respectively for localized prostate cancer from May 2008 to December 2013. PSA biochemical recurrence, salvage treatment-free rate, metastasis-free rate, and biochemical recurrence-free survival were analyzed for oncological outcomes. Functional outcomes included complications and serial IIEF-5 scores, IPSS and related QoL scores.

RESULTS

During nearly 3 years of follow-up, the patients of HDRBT experienced higher PSA biochemical recurrence rate overall (54.7%), as well as D'Amico intermediate-risk (34.4%) and high-risk (61.8%) groups, lower salvage treatment-free rate (46.7%), and metastasis-free rate (90.7%). Besides, the patients of RRP demonstrated higher urethral stricture (29.9%) and urinary incontinence (11.3%). The patients of HIFU revealed lower de novo erectile dysfunction rate at 1 year (65.6%), higher serial IIEF-5 scores, lower IPSS and related QoL scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients of HDRBT demonstrated worse oncological outcomes in D'Amico intermediate and high-risk groups. Besides, the patients of RRP had more complications rate in urethral stricture and urinary incontinence. Moreover, the patients of HIFU experienced better urinary function improvement and more possible sexual function preservation. In consideration of trifecta, HIFU may provide equivalent cancer control and better quality of life for patients of localized prostate cancer.

The Effects of Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer on Sexual Function: A Combined Analysis of Three Prospective Trials

BACKGROUND

Tissue preservation by means of focal therapy offers some men with clinically significant prostate cancer an alternative to standard care that appears to confer favourable genito-urinary outcomes. The precise estimates of these outcomes have so far been based on small series.

OBJECTIVE

This analysis pools the sexual domain related patient reported outcomes from three prospective, registered studies that represent a range of inclusion criteria.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

One-hundred and eighteen men with localised prostate cancer (prostate specific antigen ≤ 15ng/ml, Gleason ≤ 4+3, stage ≤ T3aN0M0) treated in a tissue-preserving manner using high intensity focused ultrasound from three registered studies were included. Data on International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores and use of phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors were collected at baseline, and 1 mo, 3 mo, 6 mo, 9 mo, and 12 mo postoperatively. The IIEF-15 total and individual domain scores were used to assess overall sexual function. Urinary function was assessed with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS quality-of-life, and UCLA-Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite continence questionnaires. General health status was derived by means of the Charlson score. Multiple linear regression was used to assess whether age, grade, stage, qualitative scores (IIEF, IPSS, Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite, Charlson), or focal therapy type duration were associated with IIEF-5 and IIEF-15 scores at 12 mo.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Median age was 63 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 52-70 yr). Median IIEF-erectile score at baseline was 23 (IQR 11-28). This declined significantly to 9 (IQR 3-22, p<0.01) at 1 mo, but improved to 20 (IQR 9-29, p=0.30) at 1 yr posttreatment. Changes in total IIEF and other IIEF domains were only significantly different from preoperative values at 1 mo and 3 mo postoperatively. In the same period, the proportion of men using phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors was 10% preoperatively, reaching 43% and 42% at 6 mo and 9 months before declining to 37% at 1 yr. The only baseline determinants of postoperative erectile function were total IIEF and IIEF-erectile function scores (p=0.002). The primary limitation of our study is the relatively short follow-up of 1 yr.

CONCLUSION

Men who received a range of tissue preserving therapies from the three pertinent studies experienced small decreases in total IIEF, erectile, and individual sexual domain scores that are not significantly different to those recorded at baseline. The only determinant of erectile dysfunction after tissue preserving therapy was preoperative erectile dysfunction status. Tissue preservation confers a high probability of maintaining erectile function that appears independent of all perioperative factors with the exception of baseline status.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this report, the largest prospectively collected and published set of patients with erectile dysfunction outcomes post-focal therapy for prostate cancer, we have found a return to baseline International Index of Erectile Function-erectile and total International Index of Erectile Function scores by 6 mo post-focal therapy which was maintained at 1 yr, with the majority of patients not on any form of medical treatment for their erectile dysfunction at that point. Focal therapy may represent a suitable alternative for men of any age or comorbidity wishing to maintain erectile function.

Comparison of Outcomes Between Preoperatively Potent Men Treated with Focal Versus Whole Gland Cryotherapy in a Matched Population

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The refinement in the localization of prostate cancer tumor foci through transperineal template-mapping biopsies and MRI has led to an increased interest in lesion-directed focal prostatic cryoablation. Data are lacking, however, that compare the outcomes of whole-gland (WG) to focal ablation therapy (FT). The aim of our study was to assess both oncologic and functional outcomes between WG and FT cryoablation of the prostate after having matched patients for preoperative characteristics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We matched with a 1:1 ratio 317 men who underwent FT with 317 who underwent WG treatment in the Cryo Online Data (COLD) registry between 2007 and 2013. All patients were low-risk according to the D'Amico risk groups and were matched according to age at surgery. We only included preoperatively potent men. Oncologic outcomes were biochemical recurrence (BCR) free-survival defined according to the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and Phoenix criteria and assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves. Only patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir data were included in oncologic outcome analysis. Functional outcomes were assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months after the procedure for erectile function (defined as ability to have intercourse with or without erectile aids), urinary continence, urinary retention, and rates of fistula formation.

RESULTS

Median age at the time of the procedure was 66.5 years (standard deviation [SD] 6.6 y), and median follow-up time was 58.3 months. After surgery, 30% (n=95) and 17% (n=55) of the men who received WG and FT, respectively, underwent biopsy, with positive biopsy rates of 11.6% and 14.5%, respectively. BCR-free survival rates at 60 months according to the Phoenix definition were 80.1% and 71.3% in the WG and FT cohorts, respectively, with a hazard ratio of 0.827; according to the ASTRO definition, they were 82.1% and 73%, respectively (all P ≥ 0.1). Erectile function data at 24 months was available for 172 WG and 160 FT treated men. Recovery of erection was achieved in 46.8% and 68.8% of patients in the WG and FT cohorts, respectively (P=0.001). Urinary function data at 24 months was available for 307 WG and 313 FT patients. Continence rates were 98.7% and 100% for WG and FT groups, respectively (P=0.02). Urinary retention at 6, 12, and 24 months was reported in 7.3%, 1.9%, and 0.6%, respectively, in the WG arm, and in 5%, 1.3%, and 0.9%, respectively, in the FT arm. Finally, only one fistula was reported in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with low-risk prostate cancer who underwent FT cryoablation had comparable BCR-survival rates at 60 months to patients treated with WG. However, FT patients had higher erectile function preservation rates at 24 months post-procedure. Urinary continence, retention and fistula rates were similar between the two treatment groups.

The effects of long-term androgen deprivation therapy on penile length in patients with prostate cancer: a single-center, prospective, open-label, observational study

INTRODUCTION

The adverse effects of long-term drug therapy for prostate cancer (PCa) can dramatically impact patient quality of life and are considered to be important factors when selecting treatment.

AIM

To assess stretched penile length before and after long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for treatment of PCa.

METHODS

From January 2008 to June 2010 at a single institution, 39 consecutive patients without distant metastases who were elected to receive ADT as initial therapy for PCa were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria were history of penile anomalies and/or trauma, and prior radical prostate surgery or radiation therapy. Erectile functions were evaluated at baseline according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Vertically stretched penile length was measured every 3 months from the pubopenile junction to the meatus with a spring scale.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

After ADT, significant 3-month interval changes in stretched penile length were noted for up to 15 months (P < 0.001). The relationship between potency and penile shortening was not significant (P = 0.45).

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 67.1 years. Before therapy, the mean stretched penile length was 10.76 cm. After 24 months of ADT, mean penile length had decreased to 8.05 cm. However, these changes plateaued after 15 months. Normal erectile function (EF) was reported by 41% of patients before therapy, while 10.5% reported normal EF at the 24-month follow-up. The relationship between potency and penile shortening was not significant. However, patients who preserved their potency tended to experience less penile shortening.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists induced significant decreases in penile length for only up to 15 months in the absence of the confounding effects of surgery and radiation.