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

Vacuum Erection Device Plus Once-Daily Tadalafil Improve Clinical Outcomes after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Men Affected by Erectile Dysfunction Associated with Peyronie's Disease

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to examine the combination of the mechanical effects of penile therapy with vacuum erection devices (VEDs) plus PDE5i, which improve clinical outcomes after extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in men affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with Peyronie's disease (PD).

METHODS

A total of 153 medical records of patients affected by PD in stable stage with ED and treated with ESWT were divided into two groups. Group A (GA) included 72 men treated with ESWT, mechanical stretching with VEDs and PDE5ì (Tadalafil 5 mg), and Group B (GB) included 81 men who received only ESWT plus Tadalafil 5 mg with the same protocol of GA. The patients in both groups were assessed at baseline and follow-up for erectile function, painful erections, penile plaque size, and penile curvature. The results were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatments.

RESULTS

Three months after the treatment, GA patients had a reduction in penile curvature degree from a mean ± SD of 33.91 ± 8.34° at baseline to a mean ± SD of 19.46 ± 7.15° after 12 months, whereas pain in an erection or during intercourse was resolved completely in 88.9% of the patients. The mean ± SD IIEF-15 score of patients affected by severe/moderate ED further improved significantly in the GA group (p < 0.001) after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. There were no permanent adverse sequelae after treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The regular use of a VED plus Tadalafil in patients who had undergone ESWT significantly provided more benefit in patients with PD in terms of penile deformity, pain, and erectile function.

Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for Peyronie's disease: a contemporary atlas of complications and their management

INTRODUCTION

Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) remains the only Food and Drug Administration-approved medical treatment for Peyronie's disease (PD). The initial IMPRESS I and II trials (Investigation for Maximal Peyronie's Reduction Efficacy and Safety), which led to Food and Drug Administration approval, revealed a rate of treatment-related adverse events as high as 84%. Studies fail to provide clear definitions of complications.

OBJECTIVES

To review complications, provide a CCH complication atlas, and propose management strategies for commonly encountered complications.

METHODS

We performed a literature review using PubMed. A photographic atlas was provided regarding complications in patients in a high-volume CCH center for PD.

RESULTS

Complications were identified and classified by nature and severity. We followed a standardized previously published grading system for hematomas. Complications include bruising, swelling, hematoma formation, back pain, and, rarely, corporal rupture. Complications were discussed, and hematomas were graded by penile surface area. Complication photographs were graded and displayed. Treatment-related adverse effects do not affect overall results.

CONCLUSION

Recognizing and grading complications associated with CCH therapy for PD is crucial for effective patient management and informed decision making. A standardized grading system allows for consistency in reporting and comparing hematoma complication rates across studies and patient populations. Herein we provide images that will help clinicians identify and confidently manage common complications that may occur in any CCH program.

Microphallus early management in infancy saves adulthood sensual life: A ‎‎comprehensive review

Microphallus/Micropenis is a rare condition with significant physical and psychological implications for affected individuals. This article comprehensively reviews micropenis, its etiology, epidemiology, and various treatment options. We conducted a thorough literature review to collect relevant information on micropenis and microphallus, as well as related disorders. Our primary databases were PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. We searched for articles published in English between 2000 and 2023. Our analysis included 67 review articles, 56 research studies, 11 case reports, one guideline, and one editorial. Our search terms included "microphallus", "micropenis", "congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism", "androgen insensitivity syndrome", "pediatric management of micropenis", "testosterone therapy", and "psychosocial implications of micropenis". We focused on diagnosing micropenis and related conditions, including hormonal assessments, medical and surgical treatment options, psychosocial and psychological well-being, sexual development of adolescents, and sociocultural influences on men's perceptions of penile size. Additionally, we explored parenting and family dynamics in cases of micropenis and disorders of sex development, implications of hormonal treatment in neonates, and studies related to penile augmentation procedures and their effectiveness. The article highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in addressing the physical and psychological well-being of individuals with micropenis. Surgical procedures, such as penile lengthening and girth enhancement, and non-surgical approaches like hormonal therapy are explored. The significance of psychological support, education, and lifestyle modifications is emphasized. Early management and comprehensive care are crucial for individuals with micropenis, from infancy to adolescence and beyond. A multidisciplinary approach involving urologists, endocrinologists, and mental health professionals is recommended. Regular assessment of treatment effectiveness and the need for updated guidelines are essential to provide the best possible care. Healthcare professionals should prioritize early diagnosis, and neonatologists should measure stretched penile length in neonates. A collaborative effort is needed among professionals, parents, and affected individuals to create a supportive environment that recognizes worth beyond physical differences. Continuous research and evidence-based updates are crucial for improving care standards.

The effect of penile traction device in men with Peyronie's disease on penile curvature, penile length, and erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Peyronie's disease (PD) results in curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction (ED). Penile traction devices (PTDs) are a non-invasive treatment option for PD by applying mechanical forces to elicit biochemical responses that reduce curvature and improve penile function. In the present study, we systematically reviewed and analyzed the literature investigating the use of PTD to treat PD.

Methods

We have conducted electronic and manual search strategies within the databases and included articles to find relevant studies. A total of Five studies met all the predefined inclusion criteria and were selected for inclusion in the review. Outcomes assessed are penile length, penile curvature, and erectile function (EF). The study population consisted of patients with PD, the intervention was penile traction therapy (PTT), the comparison was matched placebo or follow-up, and the study design was randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies. The Cochrane risk of bias assessed the studies' quality for randomized studies and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) for non-randomized observational studies. All statistical analyses were performed using R software. Results were considered statistically significant for P<0.05.

Results

Only five studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria and were published between 2014 and 2021. The sample sizes range [51-110], totaling 419, with a mean of 83.8 patients-the follow-up with a mean of 6.75 months. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of PTD on curvature degree, penile length, and EF in patients. There is a significant positive effect on the curvature degree (P=0.0373), while there is no significant effect on penile length and EF (P=0.5315 and 0.1010), respectively. They are Indicating low heterogeneity with an estimated total heterogeneity of 0. Overall, the available evidence does not support the efficacy of the intervention for penile length or EF.

Conclusions

The current evidence suggests that PTDs can be a safe and effective treatment option for men with PD to reduce penile curvature. However, further research, including more RCTs with extended follow-up periods, is needed to fully understand their efficacy and determine the ideal timing and patient subtypes that would benefit from PTD.

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).

Technological Advancements for Treating Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie's Disease

Over the past decade, there have been several advancements in the technologies available to treatment erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease. Vacuum erection devices, penile traction devices, low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and penile prosthesis surgery have evolved and are changing the way we treat men's health. Although significant improvements have been made, further work is needed to standardize treatment, create universal algorithms for technological applications, and simply their use.

A Randomized, Single-Blinded Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effect of Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment (ESWT) as Add-On Therapy to Vacuum Erectile Device on Peyronie's Disease

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether ESWT with a higher energy as an add-on therapy to vacuum-pump followed by manipulation exercises could reduce the penile curvature, pain and improve IIEF-5 score.

Materials and Methods

Men aged >18 and <80 years and diagnosed with PD in stable phase with no history of penile surgery or previous ESWT treatment were eligible to participate. They were randomised to either active ESWT (n = 16) or sham ESWT (n = 16). Both groups were treated once a week for five weeks. Each treatment session consisted of 2000 shockwaves at 0.5mJ/mm². All patients in both groups used a vacuum pump followed by manipulation exercises.

Results

Thirty men completed the study protocol. Mean age in the treatment group was 61.7 (SD 8.3) and 63 (SD 7.35) in the control group. After six months, mean change in penile curvature was −12.8 (SD 13) degrees in the treatment group and −6.6 (SD 8.9) in the control group (p = 0.204). Mean IIEF-5 score decreased by 0.17 (SD 3) in the treatment group and 3.06 (SD 5.5) in the control group (p = 0.086) at six-month follow-up. Pain was assessed using both VAS and PDQ and demonstrated no difference between the groups after six months (p = 0.648).

Conclusion

In the treatment group, we observed a greater but non-significant change in penile curvature and no adverse effects.

Peyronie's disease in a patient after COVID-19 infection: A case report

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an emerging infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2), which demonstrates the ability to invade endothelial cells and cause systemic inflammation. Many possible long‐term sequelae of COVID‐19 remain unidentified. We describe a case of a man who developed Peyronie's disease after a resolved COVID‐19 infection. Erectile dysfunction was confirmed by the International Index of Erectile Function‐15(IIEF) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men(SHIM) scores. A diagnosis was Peyronie's disease was confirmed on ultrasound. Furthermore, he was found to have low endothelial progenitor cells colony‐forming units and low brachial artery flow‐mediated vasodilation, both of that are indicative of endothelial dysfunction. This case suggests Peyronie's disease should be considered as a possible sequela of COVID‐19 infection and providers should inquire about a history of COVID‐19 infection in patients presenting with Peyronie's disease.

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

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

Implications of Calcification in Peyronie's Disease, A Review of the Literature

A common characteristic of Peyronie's Disease (PD) is plaque calcification, which is associated with decreased response to treatments and higher rates of surgical intervention. Despite its prevalence in the PD population, the literature on plaque calcification is limited. While the diagnosis of PD is mostly clinical, imaging modalities such as ultrasound can be used to identify plaque calcification. The proper identification of plaque calcification is crucial for guiding management and setting therapeutic expectations for patients with PD. Herein we discuss what is known about PD plaque calcification, including epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and management.

Risk profiling in patients undergoing penile prosthesis implantation

Penile prosthesis implantation is the gold standard of surgical therapy for patients with medication-refractory erectile dysfunction. However, this umbrella definition includes significant heterogeneity and associated risk profiles that should be candidly discussed and addressed perioperatively. Factors associated with operative success and patient satisfaction are often surgery specific; however, risk profiling via patient selection, preoperative optimization, proper device selection, and intraoperative consideration are highly correlated. Some examples of common risk profiles include comorbidity(ies) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, prior abdominal surgery, Peyronie's disease, and psychological risk factors. Similarly, integration of surgeon- and patient-amenable characteristics is key to decreasing risk of infection, complication, and need for revision. Finally, patient risk profiling provides a unique context for proper device selection and evidence-based intraoperative considerations.

Superficial radiation therapy in peyronie's disease: An effective and well-tolerated therapy

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction of superficial radiation therapy in the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) in a retrospective analysis.

Methods and materials

We performed a retrospective analysis of 83 patients who underwent radiation therapy between 1999 and 2008 with 8 fractions of 4 Gy over a period of 6 months. With a mean follow-up time of 52 months, patients responded to a comprehensive questionnaire that covered patient characteristics, disease duration before radiation therapy, course of disease, treatment response, side effects, and patient satisfaction.

Results

After a mean follow-up time of 52 months, 78% of the treated patients reported that PD progression had stopped. Furthermore 47% of patients had a symptom regression. Only 7% of patients reported PD progression. The penile curvature was improved in 49% of patients, and plaque induration could be reduced in 42% of patients. Moreover, 71% of patients reported substantial pain relief, as measured by a visual analogue scale (1 = not satisfied; 10 = very satisfied). Treatment satisfaction was rated with a median of 8 in a visual analogue scale out of 10. Side effects included transient erythema in 38.6% of patients and 9.6% reported of transient or chronic dryness. No severe side effects were observed.

Conclusions

Radiation therapy for PD in the disease's early stages proved to be a safe and well-tolerated method with good results in pain relief, especially in patients aged <62 years. No serious adverse events or malign transformations are expected using doses up to 32 Gy.

Contemporary surgical and non-surgical management of Peyronie's disease

Numerous treatments have been proposed for Peyronie's disease (PD). As the evidence base has expanded, the field of operative and non-operative options for patients has narrowed. Collagenase clostridium hystolyticum (CCH) injection now comprises the medical option, and surgical possibilities entail penile plication, plaque incision/excision and grafting, and prosthesis implantation. Still, questions abound regarding the optimal approach and indication for each of these treatments. We conducted a review of literature exploring the contemporary management of PD with a particular focus on work since the last American Urologic Association's (AUA) guidelines update for PD. Recent results and discussion indicate trends toward minimal invasiveness, toward a more holistic approach to the PD patient, and away from algorithmic management, galvanized, in part, by data challenging long-held beliefs.

Rationale of combination therapy with antioxidants in medical management of Peyronie's disease: results of clinical application

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder involving the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa of the penis. We have published several studies describing a "combined therapy" for PD patients, but the present study aims to clearly demonstrate how the association between various antioxidants in PD treatment can significantly increase the likelihood of therapeutic success. We used the following substances: silymarin, ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, bilberry, topical diclofenac sodium, and pentoxifylline (PTX). We analyzed the therapeutic impact and possible side effects of one or more antioxidants in patients with early-stage PD. To clearly prove that it is possible to achieve better results when combining more than one agent, we designed this study with five treatment groups, corresponding, respectively, to the administration of a single oral antioxidant; two oral antioxidants; three oral antioxidants; five oral antioxidants + local diclofenac; and five oral antioxidants + local diclofenac + PTX by perilesional injection. One hundred and twenty patients were assigned to five groups of treatment designed according to the abovementioned study aim. Outcomes after 6 months of treatment showed that combined antioxidant therapy is effective in treating PD. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the treatment groups with regard to: improvement and disappearance of penile pain; percentage of reduction in the volume of penile plaque; reduction in penile curvature; recovery of erectile function in patients with erectile dysfunction; increase in the International Index of Erectile Function score; and reduction of psychosexual impact. Furthermore, we observed that the clinical efficacy of combined therapy is greater when topical use of diclofenac gel and perilesional injection of PTX are added to oral treatment with more than one antioxidant. Although several articles have already been published reporting the effectiveness of combined treatment in PD, this is the first study clearly proving how, as the number of substances used in treatment rises, a proportionally greater therapeutic effect is achieved.